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Aussie Baked Oatmeal Snack Bars: Recipe for On-the-Go!
Looking for a quick and healthy snack that you can grab on-the-go? These Aussie Baked Oatmeal Snack Bars are the perfect solution! Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with delicious flavors, they’ll keep you energized throughout your busy day. Plus, they’re so easy to make! Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews, walnuts)
- 1 cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, shredded coconut, mixed nuts, and dried fruits.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, cut into bars and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Are Oatmeal Bars Healthy? Exploring the Nutritional Benefits
Oatmeal bars are indeed a healthy snack option! Oats are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full for longer. They are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, the nuts and dried fruits in these bars provide healthy fats and additional nutrients. Just remember to moderate your portion sizes and choose natural sweeteners like honey.
Expert Tips: Making Granola Bars Stick Together Easily
If you want your granola bars to stick together easily, try these expert tips:
- Add a binding agent: Ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or nut butter can help bind the ingredients together.
- Press firmly: Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to help it stick together.
- Chill before cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely and refrigerate for a few hours before cutting into them. This will help them hold their shape.
Best Ways to Store Homemade Oat Bars for Freshness
To keep your homemade oat bars fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Use an airtight container: Store the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale.
- Separate layers: If you’re stacking the bars, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate or freeze: For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate the bars for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.
Ideas for Tasty Oatmeal: Top Additions and Recipes
Looking to spruce up your oatmeal? Here are some delicious ideas and recipes to try:
Top Additions:
- Fresh berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries)
- Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans)
- Seeds (e.g., chia seeds, flaxseeds)
- Yogurt or Greek yogurt
- Honey or maple syrup
