These Peach Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, naturally sweet snack perfect for any time of day.
Packed with fiber-rich oats, plant-based protein from nuts and seeds, and natural sweetness from peaches and dates, they’re low in saturated fat and sugar-free.
Quick to prepare and versatile, they make an ideal choice for breakfast, snack time, or meal prep.
Peach Oatmeal Bars
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned or rolled oats gluten-free if needed
- 1/4 cup chopped dates
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon pure stevia extract powder optional
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk vanilla soy milk recommended
- 2 peaches peeled and diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment fully covers the bottom and sides of the pan; this will prevent sticking and make removing the bars simple once they’re baked. Lightly grease the parchment with a small dab of oil or non-stick spray for extra insurance, though it’s optional.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the oats, chopped dates, chopped almonds, chia or flax seeds, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and stevia powder if using. Stir these ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or spatula so that the nuts, seeds, and oats are evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite of your bars has a balanced texture and flavor.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine your diced peaches, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix gently with a spoon or whisk until the peaches are coated and the milk mixture is uniform. The peaches will add natural sweetness and moisture, helping the bars remain soft and chewy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the large bowl with your dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold the ingredients together carefully but thoroughly. Make sure all the oats are coated with the liquid, and the peaches are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The batter will be slightly thick and sticky – that’s exactly what you want for chewy, satisfying bars.
- Transfer to Baking Pan: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use your spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, pressing lightly so the top is flat. A smooth, compact surface ensures the bars bake evenly and maintain their shape when cut.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. The bars should turn lightly golden on top, and the edges will start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. If you prefer a slightly crunchier top, you can briefly broil the bars for 1–2 minutes – but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Set Bars: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for at least 15 minutes. Cooling is essential as it allows the bars to firm up, making them easier to cut and giving them the perfect chewy texture.
- Remove from Pan and Cut: Lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut the sheet into 9 even squares. Wipe the knife between cuts if needed to keep the edges clean and prevent sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Peach Oatmeal Bars are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a wholesome breakfast, an energizing snack, or pack them for on-the-go meals. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
Notes
- These bars are naturally sweetened with fresh peaches and dates, making them low in added sugar while providing fiber and natural energy.
- Use gluten-free certified oats if needed to keep the recipe completely gluten-free.
- Chia seeds or flax seeds not only add nutrition but help bind the bars together for a chewy texture.
- Peaches can be substituted with other juicy fruits like nectarines, apples, or berries depending on the season or your preference.
- For a crunchier top, briefly broil the bars after baking, but monitor carefully to avoid burning.
- Bars firm up better once cooled, so resist cutting them immediately after baking.
Chef’s Secrets: Tips For Perfect Bars
To achieve perfectly moist and chewy Peach Oatmeal Bars, choose ripe, juicy peaches that are sweet but not overly soft.
Overripe fruit may make the mixture too watery, while underripe fruit will result in less natural sweetness.
Mixing the wet ingredients separately ensures even distribution of flavor and moisture, preventing dry pockets of oats.
Pressing the batter gently into the pan before baking promotes uniform thickness, and letting the bars cool completely enhances the chewy texture and allows flavors to meld.
For added variety, consider lightly toasting the almonds or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Pairing Ideas
These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways.
Serve them warm with a drizzle of nut butter or alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a wholesome breakfast.
They also pair beautifully with plant-based yogurt for a satisfying snack or light dessert.
For a refreshing summer treat, top the bars with fresh berries or a dollop of coconut cream.
Their natural sweetness and fiber-rich ingredients make them ideal for on-the-go mornings, after-school snacks, or post-workout fuel.
Storage Tips: Keep Bars Fresh Longer
Store the Peach Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, ensuring they remain moist and chewy.
These bars freeze exceptionally well; wrap individual bars in parchment or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months.
Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator or warm them briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
Avoid leaving them exposed to air, as this can dry them out and reduce their texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines, plums, apples, or berries all work well.
Choose fruits with similar juiciness to maintain the bars’ moisture and adjust sweetness if needed.
2. Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the almonds or replace them with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
This keeps the bars safe for nut allergies while maintaining crunch and nutrition.
3. Do I need to peel the peaches?
Peeling is optional, but it creates a smoother texture. If you prefer extra fiber and a rustic feel, leave the skin on – it will soften during baking.
4. How can I make these bars sweeter naturally?
If you prefer a sweeter bar, add a little more dates or a drizzle of maple syrup.
The recipe’s base sweetness is mild and allows customization based on personal taste.
5. Can I prepare these bars ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! These bars are excellent for meal prep and travel-friendly snacks.
Bake, cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer shelf life.
