Description
A childhood favorite combination, these bars are healthy and made from simple ingredients! An oat and peanut butter base doubles as the crumble topping, sandwiching your favorite lower-sugar fruit spread or chia jam.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups large flake rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup flour (whole wheat, all-purpose, or a gluten-free blend)
- ¾ cup natural smooth peanut butter (see notes)
- ¼ cup melted butter (or vegan butter, or coconut oil)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3/4 – 1 cup lower sugar fruit spread or chia jam (strawberry, raspberry, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Set aside.
- Make Oat Mixture: In a food processor, combine the rolled oats, flour, natural peanut butter, melted butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Process until the mixture is finely ground and sticks together when pressed between your fingers.
- Form Base Layer: Reserve about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the oat mixture for the topping. Press the remaining (larger portion) oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Add Jam Layer: Spread the fruit spread or chia jam evenly over the pressed base layer.
- Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the reserved oat mixture evenly over the top of the jam layer.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the topping feels set.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This is important for the bars to set properly and cut cleanly.
- Cut and Store: Once completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Oats: Use large flake rolled oats for the best texture. Ensure certified gluten-free oats if necessary.
- Flour: Choose whole wheat, all-purpose, or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter (ingredients: just peanuts and maybe salt) works best for the texture. Other natural nut or seed butters can be substituted.
- Fat: Melted butter, vegan butter, or coconut oil can be used.
- Jam: Lower sugar fruit spread or homemade chia jam is recommended to keep the bars healthier. Any flavor works!
- Cooling: Cooling completely before cutting is crucial, otherwise the bars may crumble. Chilling briefly can help achieve cleaner cuts.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated or in the freezer for a quick snack. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freezer for longer storage.