These cinnamon oatmeal granola bars are soft and sweet. You only need 5 ingredients to make these simple bars. Healthy, yet you won't realize it because they taste like a cinnamon roll!
You are going to love this recipe for cinnamon oatmeal granola bars because they are made with simple ingredients commonly found in the kitchen. I wanted to create a granola bar that would stay together at room temperature, so they would be an easy snack to pack along anywhere! I also wanted to create a bar with ingredients that are easy to find and won't break the bank. Enjoy the newest favorite oatmeal bar at our house!
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Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need 5 simple whole ingredients. There's a high chance they are in your cupboard right now, and if not, they are easy to come by (no brown rice syrup in these bars!).
- Almond Butter: creates a soft texture, and provides the main protein in these bars. One bar contains 5 grams of protein. I often buy my almond butter from Costco or The Real Canadian Superstore as that is where it is the most cost-effective. Try my no bake protein bars if you are looking for another packable bar using almond butter.
- Maple Syrup: sweetens the bars and gives a rich flavor.
- Sea Salt: balances the taste and boosts the flavor.
- Quick Oats: is the main substance of the bars, creating a chewy bar. They are a good source of fiber.
- Cinnamon: is the focus of the bar, you need quite a bit of ground cinnamon to get the best flavor! The idea for these bars came from the Quaker Oat Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars.
- Ground Flax (optional): makes these bars more nutrient-dense. Flax is a great source of healthy fats and an awesome way to include more omega-3 into the everyday diet. If you don't have ground flax seeds in your house, no stress, you can make them without!
See the recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
- Peanut Butter - I haven't tried these bars with peanut butter as a replacement for almond butter as I am allergic. However, I believe it would work just fine to replace it for the same amount.
- Rolled Oats - If you only have rolled oats you will need to pulse them in the blender or food processor until they are smaller flakes like quick oats. Then use the same amount of blended rolled oats for quick oats. This recipe will not work with steel cut oats, or oat groats.
- Honey - Using honey instead of maple syrup will make these bars even sweeter and will change the flavor somewhat however, honey and cinnamon make a great combo.
Let me and other readers know if you tried these substitutions by commenting below!
Instructions
These bars are quite simple to make! I tested these bars over the last year since I had the idea to make a cinnamon roll oat bar. I wanted to create something that wouldn't crumble and something that could be out to the fridge for extended periods. It took me quite a few times to test but this is now a soft chewy flavorful recipe that I am proud to share with you! Follow the steps and photos below to make these oatmeal bars!
In a medium pot place the almond butter and the maple syrup. Place over medium heat. Stir until melted and everything is mixed together, then remove from the heat.
In the pot or another bowl add all the ingredients together. Stir well until everything is incorporated.
This is what the cinnamon oatmeal granola bars will look like when all the ingredients are mixed together.
In a greased 8x8 square pan spread the cinnamon oatmeal granola bars mixture. Spread with a spatula and press down until the mix is evenly in the pan.
Lastly, cut into 12 bars skinny bars (2 rows by 6 rows). It's up to you if you want to wrap them individually however that makes it easy to bring these healthy bars on the go! Enjoy!
Top tip
These cinnamon oatmeal granola bars work well to individually wrap and keep in the fridge and freezer to grab when you are running out the door, or packing lunches. Use small reusable sealing bags to be eco-friendly. Replace these cinnamon bars with your prepackaged store-bought oatmeal granola bars!
How to double this recipe
These bars can be made in a larger batch. Just double all the ingredients, then press into two 8x8 baking pans or one 9x13 baking pan.
Storage and Freezing
Room Temperature: These will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature. Keep out of direct sunlight for best results.
Fridge: Store these in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Freezer: You can keep these in the freezer fresh for up to three months in an airtight bag or container. Take them out as needed, they thaw pretty quickly if they are individually wrapped.
FAQ
No, these cinnamon oatmeal granola bars are not crumbly. They will stay together even at room temperature. These bars are great to take on the go!
Yes! They are a good source of protein, fiber, and fat making this a balanced snack. These cinnamon oatmeal granola bars are made with whole (non-processed) ingredients that you can pronounce. These are great for high-energy activities.
Other On-the-Go Snacks
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Did you make these cinnamon oatmeal granola bars? Take a picture and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #besidethemountain & tag @besidethemountain. I’d love to see it and it would totally make my day!
Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars
Equipment
- 1 8x8 pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon ground flax optional
Instructions
- In a medium pot place the almond butter and the maple syrup. Place over medium heat. Stir until melted and everything is mixed together about 2-4 minutes, remove from the heat.
- In the pot or another bowl add all the ingredients together. Stir well until everything is incorporated. In a greased 8x8 square pan spread the cinnamon oatmeal granola bars mixture. Spread with a spatula and press down until the mix is evenly in the pan.
- Cut into 12 bars skinny bars (2 rows by 6 rows). These oatmeal granola bars are fine at room temperature(about 3 days), however, they will stay fresh longer if they are kept in the fridge (about 2 weeks), or freeze them for up to 3 months. Keep the granola bars in an airtight container or sealed bag.
Notes
- Alternative Ingredients:
- Peanut Butter - I haven't tried these bars with peanut butter as a replacement for almond butter (as I am allergic). However, I believe it would work just fine to replace it for the same amount.
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- Rolled Oats - If you only have rolled oats you will need to pulse them in the blender or food processor until they are smaller flakes like quick oats. Then use the same amount of blended rolled oats for quick oats.
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- Honey - Using honey instead of maple syrup will make these bars even sweeter and will change the flavor.
Lindsay Cashion
I love bringing these to work, hiking, a quick day trip to the beach. They have such a next texture and are so easy to make! Would recommend 💜
danikavanderpyl
Thanks for sharing this Lindsay!
Larissa Layton
So delicious! I love the amount of cinnamon in this recipe. The whole family loved these. They make a great morning snack at home or on the go! I find they are best kept in the freezer and eaten right away (I used peanut butter and they keep a nice consistency in the freezer!).
danikavanderpyl
Great to hear Larissa! Yessss all the cinnamon in this though, I love it too!