INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana (for moisture)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, seeds, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it.
- Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. - Mix wet ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together honey/maple syrup, brown sugar (if using), applesauce/banana, melted coconut oil/butter, egg, and vanilla. - Combine:
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Fold in your chosen mix-ins. - Bake:
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and set in the middle. - Cool & slice:
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Tips:
- Use rolled oats, not instant, for better texture.
- Swap applesauce for mashed banana for different flavor.
- Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth.
- For vegan, replace egg with flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).