Breakfast Oatmeal Bars

These oatmeal bars are literally a freshly made breakfast oatmeal bowl to go. Perfect for those who are in a hurry in the morning and don't have time to cook or even sit down for breakfast. The ingredients are exactly the same: rolled oats, milk, nuts and dried fruit.

You can add whatever nuts or dried fruit you like. Peanuts, walnuts or pecans do it the same way as pistachios or almonds. Same applies to the dried fruit: you can probably throw in just anything and as much as you want according to your tastes. I tried a mixture of apricots, dates, raisins and prunes or you can just add one sort like raisins or cranberries or dried mango. Coconut also works well in it. Try it yourself, you can't really go wrong with this recipe. Either way, it will always be absolutely delicious.

I love the fact that it needs so little ingredients: no flour, no baking powder or any of the other usual suspects when baking. And, most importantly: no added sugar. Only natural ingredients. What else does one want or need? This is the perfect cookie for breakfast or as a snack.

------------------------------------------------------------------ 

BREAKFAST OATMEAL BARS

(Print Recipe)

1 1/4 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, peanuts)

3/4 cup dried fruit (e.g. dates, apricots, raisins, prunes, cranberries)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Yields 16

----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Preheat oven to 180C/375F. Line 25x25cm baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Mix wet ingredients. Pour wet into dry ingredients and stir to combine. Let the mixture soak for 10 minutes. Then pour into prepared dish and press down evenly.  Bake for 35-40 minutes. Cut into squares while still hot. Let cool completely before storing in airtight container.