Tag Archives: snack bars

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Bars

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First some housekeeping-I would love your feedback. Please let me know if there are any recipes, tips, nutrition questions, etc that you would like to see on the blog! Perhaps you want to know the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats. Or why is eating fiber so important? Do you want a skinny version of your favorite meal? Suggestions for eating at restaurants? Just email me or leave a comment :)

Breakfast Idea

Blueberry-Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars

4 servings

Ingredients:

  • canola oil cooking spray
  • 2 medium bananas, sliced
  • 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened dried fruit of choice  (blueberries, raisins, cherries, cranberries, etc)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • pinch each ground nutmeg, cloves, and salt
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp butter, melted & cooled, divided
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375*F. Lightly coat an 8-inch square or round baking dish with cooking spray. Layer the banana slices over the bottom of the dish and top with the frozen blueberries. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, coconut flakes, dried fruit, brown sugar, nuts, baking powder, and spices. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, 1 Tbsp of the margarine, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Set aside.
  4. Spoon the oat mixture on top of the bananas and blueberries. Pour the milk mixture over the oat mixture, and drizzle with the remaining 1/2 Tbsp melted margarine.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top layer is lightly browned and crisp. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

UPDATE: I made these using overripe pears instead of the banana/blueberry combo. I used dried cranberries, walnuts, and skipped the brown sugar. It was delicious! I baked it last night and the we  ate it for breakfast this morning.  You have to try it!

Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

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I started baking these granola bars for Chris. Chris and I have been dating for over 3 years and our eating habits could not be more different. I finally convinced him of the importance of eating breakfast; problem is he doesn’t have much time in the morning. Homemade granola bars are a great option for him because he keeps them in the freezer and just grabs one on his way out the door.

These are fully customizable. Add whatever nuts, fruit, or baking chips you have on hand.

Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Note: I personally think these are sweet enough to double as dessert. However, I wouldn’t reduce the sweetener because the bars will fall apart without enough liquid to hold them together.

8 oz old-fashioned rolled oats

1 oz wheat germ (toasted) or ground flax seed

1.5 oz sunflower seeds

2 oz walnut pieces

dash of salt

1 oz melted butter

1.75 oz brown sugar

1/4 cup peanut butter

6 oz maple syrup, honey, agave, simple syrup (any liquid sweetener)

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup chocolate chips

Combine oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, walnuts and salt.

Mix together butter, brown sugar, peanut butter, sweetener of choice, and vanilla.

Add the liquid to the oat mixture and mix until fully combined. Add chocolate chips.

Spread in a greased 9 x 9 inch pan.

Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown at 300 degrees.