Healthy No Bake steel cut oatmeal bars recipe – This No-bake date Energy bars recipe is the ideal midday snack and a make-on repeat added to everyone’s favorite recipes folder. It’s super easy to make, oh-so-tasty, and loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber. Not to mention, it’s completely gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan. These tasty naturally sweet steel-cut oatmeal breakfast bars are the best way to make sure you get a healthy quick breakfast or snack on those days where you don’t have that much time.
Jump to Recipe
It’s the ideal quick snack because it requires no baking and it can be switched up to suit your ingredient preferences. Add it to your make-ahead breakfasts recipes for a quick favorite breakfast homemade granola bars option the whole family will love!
You can substitute any of the seeds and nuts with whatever you prefer and even leave out the peanut butter completely if you want. Make this healthy breakfast option into delicious peanut butter granola bars! Or substitute the steel cut oatmeal with old-fashioned oats, your favorite oat mixture, or quick oats. It’s so easy to alter and has just the right amount of sweetness to make it a perfect breakfast for any day of the week.
In this easy no-bake granola bars recipe we’re covering
- Key ingredients for making no-bake steel cut oat bars
- Oatmeal benefits
- Tips and tricks for making homemade no-bake granola breakfast bars
- How to make Steel-cut oats breakfast bars
- Faqs
What made me come up with this No bake date Energy bars recipe:
I am picky when it comes to granola bars. I want them to be packed with flavors, crunchy, sweet, healthy, and with no added sugars. Unfortunately, I just haven’t been able to find store-bought granola bars that do all that for me. They either seem to be full of sugars and additives or they taste horrible. Well, I don’t know about you, but I can’t make myself eat what tastes like crunchy cardboard as a quick snack. That’s not good enough.
Because I adore food, I want each and every meal I eat to be tasty…And I also want it to be somewhat healthy (at least most of the time).
That’s why I realized I had to come up with some easy, simple-to-make, and very tasty snacks.
I admit that I am a huge snacker. If I don’t eat every couple of hours my brain starts getting foggy and I can’t function very well – actually, I end up wasting too much time staring into space trying to remember what I was supposed to be doing. So I usually eat something every couple of hours, whether it’s just a bite of dark chocolate, a few nuts, or a more filling snack.
Come afternoon, I am in serious need of an energy boost. And that’s where these No bake date Energy bars come in handy. They are so deliciously tasty, healthy, and packed with goodness – and they are super easy to take with me anywhere I go.
Healthy snacks – easy no bake steel cut oatmeal bars
Choosing a healthy snack option used to be a big problem for me. If I don’t plan, I usually end up pouncing on whatever food is near me. I seem to lose the ability to make healthy choices at the moment – and that used to lead to a lot of snacking on cakes, chips, and other easily accessible and completely unhealthy options. I finally realized I had to change, and sat down to come up with a lot of healthy snack options. That resulted in these amazing vegan no-bake protein bars as well as a lot of different energy balls. I can’t tell you how much adding healthy snacks has changed my energy levels. It’s a must.
Here’s some of my other favorite healthy snack recipes:
5 Ingredient Protein Energy Bites,
Matcha Tea Energy Bites
Healthy Roasted Chickpeas recipe
What’s great about these No bake date Energy bars:
- Vegan, gluten free, soy free and healthy
- Packed with proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals
- Super easy and quick to make
- Requires no baking
- Easy to change – just switch out any seeds or nuts with your preferred choice (you can also leave out the peanut butter if you prefer)
Gluten free version:
There are two gluten-free options for this one. You can either use gluten-free oats or simply substitute the oats with the same amount of puffed quinoa
Eating oatmeal bars can offer several benefits, including:
- Portable and convenient: Oatmeal bars are a great on-the-go snack that can be easily packed in a backpack, purse, or lunchbox.
- Customizable: Oatmeal bars can be customized with various ingredients to suit different taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Nutritious: Oatmeal bars can be made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, providing a nutritious snack that’s high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Satisfying: The high fiber and protein content of oatmeal bars can help you feel full and satisfied between meals, reducing the likelihood of overeating or snacking on less healthy options.
- Great for meal prep: Oatmeal bars can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer until ready to eat, making them a great option for meal prep or busy mornings.
Overall, oatmeal bars are a convenient and nutritious snack option that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and dietary preferences.
Steel cut oatmeal bars recipe Key ingredients
Wet ingredients that work as binders
- 2 cups Dates, Seeds removed – I like to use juicy dried Medjool dates. They’re sweet, sticky, and perfect for making the bars stick together.
- ¼ cup Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
Dry ingredients:
- ¼ cup Quick 3-minute steel cut oats (I used Quaker Quick 3 minute steel cut oats)
- 1 cup Walnuts
- ½ cup Almonds
- ½ cup Grated Coconut
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup Mixed Seeds Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.
- ¼ cup Puffed Quinoa
- ¼ cup Mini Chocolate Chips
Here are some tips for making steel cut oatmeal bars:
- Cook the steel cut oats: If you’re not using quick cooking steel cut oats it’s best to pre-cook the oats. Cook the steel-cut oats according to the instructions on the package. This will make them tender and ready to use in your bars.
- Add healthy ingredients: Add healthy ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to your bars to give them an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
- Bind with Maple Syrup or honey: Maple syrup and Honey acts as a natural binder and sweetener for the bars. Mix it with some nut butter or coconut oil to create a sticky, cohesive mixture.
- Use a baking pan: Press the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and then bake at 350°F until golden brown. This will create a firm and chewy texture.
- Let them cool: Once the bars are done baking, let them cool completely before slicing them into bars. This will help them set and hold together better.
How to make Easy steelcut oatmeal bars in a few easy steps
Filling breakfast bars Instructions
- Clean the dates and remove the seeds.
- Add walnuts, almonds, and coconut to a food processor and pulse until it’s finely chopped.
- Pour in seeds, salt, peanut butter, quick cook steel cut oats, and dates, and pulse until everything is combined.
- Finally, stir in the puffed quinoa and chocolate chips. If the mixture is too soft, just add more rolled oats or puffed quinoa.
- Pour the no-bake date energy bars mixture into a baking tray lined with baking parchment and spread it out evenly. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting into bars ( should make about 10).
- Serve and enjoy your delicious energy bars with dates and oats!
- Store someplace cool in an airtight container.
Gluten free version:
There are two gluten-free options for this one. You can either use gluten-free oats or simply substitute the oats with the same amount of puffed quinoa. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but to be certain I recommend only using certified gluten-free oats for the gluten-free no-bake granola bars option.
10 delicious flavors and spices to add to date oat bars – take your no-bake oatmeal barsto the next level
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to oatmeal bars.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness and aroma to oatmeal bars and turns them into a delicious vanilla oatmeal bar recipe. Yum!
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a warm, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor to oatmeal bars.
- Cardamom: Cardamom adds a unique floral flavor to oatmeal bars.
- Ginger: Ginger adds a spicy and slightly sweet flavor to oatmeal bars.
- Apple pie spice: Apple pie spice adds a warm and comforting flavor to oatmeal bars.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice adds a sweet and spicy kick to oatmeal bars.
- Almond extract: Almond extract adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to oatmeal bars. Use it for a marzipan-flavored granola bar.
- Coconut flakes: Coconut flakes add a tropical and chewy texture to oatmeal bars. It’s a great option to add more natural sweetness and extra omega fatty acids.
- Dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips add a rich and indulgent flavor to oatmeal bars. I like to use vegan dark chocolate chips because the dark chocolate adds extra nutrients and antioxidants to the healthy breakfast bars.
Health benefits of eating oatmeal
- Rich in fiber: Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber, which helps improve digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote satiety.
- Lowers cholesterol: Oatmeal contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
- Rich in antioxidants: Oatmeal contains antioxidants like avenanthramides, which can help protect against oxidative damage and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Provides sustained energy: Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that releases energy slowly, providing sustained energy throughout the day.
- Promotes weight loss: Oatmeal can help with weight loss due to its high fiber content, which can help you feel full and reduce overall calorie intake.
- Supports heart health: The high fiber, low fat, and low sodium content of oatmeal make it a heart-healthy food.
- Gluten-free: Oatmeal is naturally gluten-free and can be a great option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. These tasty vegan date bars – no-bake bars are naturally gluten-free. We still recommend using certified gluten-free oats to be completely certain that the oats haven’t been in contact with gluten ingredients in the production process.
Overall, oatmeal is a nutritious and versatile food that can provide several health benefits when consumed as healthy oatmeal bars
Health Benefits – Eggs vs Oatmeal
Eggs and oatmeal both have their own set of health benefits. Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and choline. They also provide healthy fats that are essential for proper body function.
On the other hand, oatmeal is a great source of fiber, containing both soluble and insoluble fibers that help regulate digestion and lower cholesterol levels. It also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc that support overall health.
Overall, both eggs and oatmeal are nutrient-dense foods that can support a healthy diet. It’s up to your personal dietary preferences and needs to determine which one is better for you.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about homemade oatmeal bars:
Can I use instant oats instead of steel cut oats for making oatmeal bars?
Yes, you can use instant oats instead of steel cut oats. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the bars will be different.
Can I make oatmeal bars without eggs?
Yes, you can make oatmeal bars without eggs. This easy recipe doesn’t use any eggs.
You can also substitute eggs with ingredients like nut butter, mashed bananas, or applesauce to bind the ingredients together.
Are oatmeal bars healthy?
Oatmeal bars can be a healthy snack option if they are made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. However, some recipes may also include added sugars or artificial ingredients, so it’s important to read the ingredient list carefully.
Can I make oatmeal bars on a budget?
Yes, you can make oatmeal bars on a budget by using affordable ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and dried fruit or nuts that are on sale. You can also make larger batches to save money and freeze them for later.
Frequently asked questions – storage and baking
Can I customize oatmeal bars with different flavors?
Yes, you can customize oatmeal bars with different flavors by adding ingredients like spices, extracts, or even chocolate chips. For example, you can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for extra flavor. You can also mix in different types of dried fruit, like cranberries, apricots, or raisins, or use different types of nuts or seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
How do I store oatmeal bars?
You can store oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Can I make oatmeal bars that are vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, you can make oatmeal bars that are vegan or gluten-free by using substitutes for animal products or gluten-containing ingredients. For example, you can use coconut oil or nut butter instead of butter, and a flax egg or applesauce instead of eggs. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free oats and flour substitutes like almond flour or rice flour.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
We would love to know how it turned out! Please let us know by leaving a review below. Or snap a photo and share it on Instagram; be sure to tag us @munchyesta
Are you looking for more delicious easy breakfast recipes? You might like some of these:
- Easy vegan overnight oats
- Breakfast Protein Cookies
- Berry Oatmeal
- Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Green Detox Smoothie
- Simple vegan Breakfast Casserole recipe with Just Egg
PrintPin
Vegan No Bake Date Energy Bars – Healthy No Bake steel cut oatmeal bars recipe
An ideal healthy snack. Healthy No Bake steel cut oatmeal bars recipe – This No-bake date Energy bars recipe is the ideal midday snack. Amazing, easy to make and healthy no bake vegan energy bars. These protein packed energy bars are loaded with flavors and oh so tasty.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword vegan
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes minutes
Servings 10 bars
Calories 255kcal
Author Simone – Munchyesta.com
Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried Juicy Dates Seeds removed (I like to use juicy dried Medjool dates)
- ¼ cup Quick 3-minute steel cut oats (I used Quaker Quick 3 minute steel cut oats)
- ¼ cup Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
- 1 cup Walnuts
- ½ cup Almonds
- ½ cup Grated Coconut
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ cup Mixed Seeds Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds etc.
- ¼ cup Puffed Quinoa
- ¼ cup Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions
Clean the dates and remove the seeds.
Add walnuts, almonds, and coconut to a food processor and pulse until it's finely chopped.
Pour in seeds, salt, peanut butter, quick cook steel cut oats, and dates, and pulse until everything is combined.
Finally, stir in the puffed quinoa and chocolate chips. If the mixture is too soft, just add more rolled oats or puffed quinoa.
Pour the no-bake date energy bars mixture into a baking tray lined with baking parchment and spread it out evenly. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting into bars ( should make about 10).
Serve and enjoy your delicious energy bars with dates and oats!
Notes
Store someplace cool in an airtight container.
