Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

You may be able to use quick oats in this recipe, but the texture will probably be different. Rolled oats give a chewier, heartier bar with more defined oat flakes. Quick oats, popular for rapid meal prep, may create a softer, denser bar that holds together more firmly.

How can I make my oatmeal bars more chewy?

To make your oatmeal bars chewier, try adding more nut or seed butter to your dry ingredients for extra stickiness. Pressing the mixture firmly into the prepared pan helps the bars hold together. The harder you pack the mixture, the more cohesive and chewy the bars will be.

What are some healthy add-ins or flavor variations for oatmeal bars?

Once you have your base down, you can customize your bars with mix-ins for flavor and texture. Just be careful not to go overboard! Too many add-ins can make the bars dry and keep them from sticking together. You’ll also want to avoid being too heavy-handed on the sweet mix-ins if you want to keep these bars on the healthier side. Here are some ideas: Mini dark chocolate chips Dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, dried blueberries) Flax seeds Shredded coconut Pumpkin pie spice Vanilla extract Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) Sunflower or pumpkin seeds Some recipes use chia seeds for the fiber boost, but note that chia can become jelly-like when mixed with wet ingredients. Try my oatmeal protein bars with dates for a protein boost or my peanut butter bars with a drizzle of dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.

4-Ingredient Easy Oatmeal Bars

Easy Oatmeal Bars

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5 from 5 reviews

Wholesome, chewy, and naturally sweet, these easy oatmeal bars are irresistibly tasty and perfect for busy mornings and snacks.

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 16 large or 32 small 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup creamy peanut butter (no sugar added, or sunflower butter for nut free)
½ cup honey (or agave syrup* for vegan)
4 cups Old Fashioned rolled oats
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl until they form a sticky dough. If the mixture is dry and not sticky, add a bit more honey and/or peanut butter. (Different peanut butter brands perform differently here.)
Add a sheet of parchment paper to an 8 x 8” or 9 x 9” pan. Place the ingredients in the pan and press them into an even layer. Use a small glass to roll over the top to get it smooth.
Freeze the bars for 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the freezer and use the parchment to lift it out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares or 32 rectangles.
You can eat right away, or refrigerate for about 1 hour for a more solid texture. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

*Maple syrup is generally my sweetener of choice, but the flavor and texture of honey really make these bars. Since maple syrup is not as sticky as honey, for a vegan substitute, I recommend agave syrup for your oat mixture.

Varying your nut butters can change the texture of your bars. Almond butter has a grittier texture. The ingredients listed have been taste-tested for a fool-proof no-bake method! No baking powder, baking soda, or all-purpose flour required.

Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/oatmeal-bars/