Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup dried fruit
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup toasted wheat germ (Optional)
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup honey
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
What Makes This Recipe So Good
These bars are a perfect blend of sweet and crunchy, making them a satisfying morning treat. The honey adds natural sweetness while keeping the bars moist. They are great for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack on the go.
Kitchen Tricks
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
Directions
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to keep things from sticking. In a big bowl, combine oats, walnuts, brown sugar, dried fruit, both flours, wheat germ, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, egg, and vanilla until smooth, then pour this into the oat mixture. Stir everything just until it’s combined—don’t overmix. Press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan, then pop it in the oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges turn a nice golden brown. Let it cool a bit on a wire rack before slicing into 12 bars—using a pizza cutter works great while they’re still a little warm.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these bars with a glass of milk or a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. They also pair well with fresh fruit or yogurt for a more filling breakfast.
How To Freeze This Dish
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to a month.
