Peach Oatmeal Bars
Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, these Peach Oatmeal Bars combine oats, fresh peaches, dates, and nuts for a fiber-rich, protein-packed snack. Quick to make and adaptable with other fruits, they’re perfect for breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or easy meal prep. Gluten-free, low in sugar, and full of wholesome ingredients, they satisfy cravings guilt-free.
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.
