Bake with Amanpreet: Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

I don’t know about you but I love oatmeal and I love breakfast. Being a busy student, however, really limits the amount of time I have to sit down and enjoy a nutritious meal. Luckily, with the help of Yumna from Feel Good Foodie, I have been able to take some steps to meal prep and actually have healthy options to reach for when I’m short on time. I find that when I fuel my body with good food, I have a better day because my energy levels are well balanced!

I know what you may be thinking, “oatmeal bars” can easily be purchased from the store!” Yes, they can. But they are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients which are not doing you any good. So, join me in making a switch to a healthier lifestyle starting with the most important meal of the day: breakfast! Or honestly, at any meal, these bars can be eaten at any time as a snack as well!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup cane sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup almond milk
• ¼ cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup walnuts finely chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Steps: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper hanging over the edge.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients including the rolled oats, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. In another large bowl, combine the wet ingredients including the eggs, milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Transfer the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and set aside until flavours blend, about 20 minutes.
4. Fold in the walnuts and cranberries, and spread the combined mixture into the prepared square pan.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. Allow cooling on the wire rack for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut into 16 bars.

If you would like to alternate the recipe, Yumna offers great tips!

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