One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars For Weight Gain

Are you tired of the same old breakfast every morning? Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy option to start your day off to a great start? Then these One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are perfect for you! These home-made bars are packed with good things like oats, peanut butter, raisins, nuts, and chocolate chips. Not only are they ideal for busy mornings, they’re also great for all-day snacks or a little sweet craving. Bonus point? These are vegan and can be made gluten-free—meaning there’s something for everyone!

I’m personally a big fan of grab-and-go options for breakfast. I have several recipes like vegan bran muffins, vegan banana bread, and vegan granola bars, which I often eat in the morning. But honestly? Those are all designed more for snacks, not breakfast. These breakfast bars are different—they’re specially made for breakfast. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and bananas, these bars provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. They’re easy to make, mix up in a bowl, and you can customize them to your liking!

Why would you like these One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars?

• Easy and quick: One bowl, less cleanup, and ready in less than 30 minutes!
• Helpful: The perfect combo of fiber-packed oats, protein-rich peanut butter, and natural sweetness.
• Flexible: Ingredients can be swapped out to suit your diet or taste—nut-free or gluten-free, it’s your choice!
• Portable: Perfect for the office, school lunchbox, or after the gym.

read also: No Bake Blueberry Oat Bars 5 Ingredients and Vegan Recipe

Ingredients you may need

Here’s the secret formula for these delicious bars (and substitutions for each one):

• Non-Dairy Milk (¼ cup): Keeps these bars moist. Almond milk is my favorite because it has a mild flavor, but soy, oat, or coconut milk will also work. If you don’t have non-dairy milk, you can use water. It helps give the One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars a soft and delicious texture!
• Ground Flaxseeds (1 tbsp): This is combined with non-dairy milk to make a “flax egg,” which is awesome for binding in vegan baking. Plus, it’s a great source of omega-3s!
• Cooked Banana (1 medium): The riper the kale, the sweeter and tastier it is. Avoid green kale—spotty kale is best. If you don’t like it, try ½ cup applesauce. It adds natural sweetness and moisture to the One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars, making them soft and delicious!
• Peanut Butter (½ cup): Creamy or crunchy, both will work. Allergies? Use almond butter or sun butter. Want nut-free? Tahini is perfect.
• Maple Syrup (¼ cup): For natural sweetness. Agave, coconut nectar, or a little honey (if not vegan) are perfect. Want less sweetness? Reduce to 2 tbsp or skip it.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Boosts flavor—don’t miss this!
• Rolled Oats (2 cups): These are the base of the bars—they add texture and fiber. Quick oats will work, but the bars can be a little soft.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): A hot, tasty touch. Can also experiment with ginger or nutmeg.
• Baking Powder (½ tsp): Gives a little fluffiness to the bars.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness.
• Raisins (½ cup): For natural sweetness and chewiness. Cranberries, chopped dates, or cherries can also be added. They enhance the flavor and texture of the One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars, making each bite more delicious!
• Walnuts (½ cup, chopped): For crunch. Can be substituted with pecans, almonds, or pepitas (for nut-free).
• Mini Chocolate Chips (¼ cup): A little indulgence! Use vegan chips (like Enjoy Life). Want more chocolate? Add ½ cup or drizzle melted chocolate afterwards. They make the One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars even more delicious with a perfect touch of sweetness!

How to Make: Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe is so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it before! Below are details on each step:

Step 1 – Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave a little overhang so the bars can be easily removed.

Step 2 – Prepare the flax eggs: Combine the non-dairy milk and flaxseeds in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until thick. This helps bind the One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars, giving them a great texture without using eggs!

Step 3 – Mash the banana: Add the banana to a large bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth. This adds natural sweetness and moisture to the One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars, making them soft and delicious!

Step 4 – Mix the wet ingredients: Add the flax eggs, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla and mix well.

Step 5 – Add Dry Ingredients: Add oats, sprinkle cinnamon, baking powder, and salt on top. Mix everything together—you can adjust to taste! These ingredients give the One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars their perfect texture and warm, cozy flavor.

Step 6 – Add Mix-Ins: Fold in raisins, walnuts, and chocolate chips. You can adjust to your liking. These add texture and flavor, making the One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars even more delicious!

Step 7 – Set in Pan: Pour mixture into pan and press firmly with a spatula. Place parchment paper over pan for a smooth top and press down with a flat object (like a book).

Step 8 – Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until top is golden and set.

Step 9 – Cool: Place pan on cooling rack. Once cooled completely, remove from parchment and cut into squares. This step helps the One-Bowl Oatmeal Breakfast Bars set properly for the perfect chewy texture!

read also: Banana Bread Recipe Without Salt

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Even Pressing: Press the mixture well so that the bars bake evenly.
• Chewy or Crispy: Bake for 20 minutes for chewy, 25 minutes for crispy.
• Customization: Add some shredded coconut, chia seeds, or hemp seeds to boost nutrition.
• Less Sugar: Skip maple syrup and chocolate chips and add extra nuts or fruit.
• Storage and Shelf-Life

Keeping bars fresh:

• Room Temperature: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Fridge: Up to 5 days—best for meal prep!
• Freezer: Up to 3 months. Keep individual bars wrapped and microwave as needed.

FAQs

Why These Bars Will Be Your Favorite

These oatmeal breakfast bars are not just a recipe, they are a smart lifestyle choice. They are wholesome, satisfying, and energize your day without any hassle. Whether you are vegan, on a gluten-free diet, or just want something tasty—these bars are for everyone.

So try it now and let me know in the comments below what twist you added to it! I would love to hear your ideas.