Description

Simple, chewy, and reliable snack bars made with pantry staples like oats, honey, and butter. Perfect for lunchboxes, they are easy to make, customizable with various mix-ins, and freeze beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 to 1.5 cups mix-ins (e.g., chocolate chips, dried cranberries, raisins, chopped nuts, coconut flakes)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir to distribute evenly.
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, honey, and brown sugar until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and beaten egg.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir vigorously until a thick, sticky dough forms. Fold in your chosen mix-ins.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or greased hands.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out and cutting into squares.

Notes

Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together. Do not cut while warm, as they will crumble. For best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. Mix-ins can be customized, but keep the total amount between 1-1.5 cups to maintain structural integrity.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 120
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4

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