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Cinnamon Oat Bars

These cinnamon oat bars are a chewy, comforting snack that combine hearty oats with warm cinnamon, baked into a golden, slightly caramelized treat. The recipe involves mixing dry and wet ingredients, pressing the mixture into a baking dish, and baking until fragrant and crisp at the edges, resulting in a rustic, handheld bar with a tender crumb and aromatic spice aroma.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats preferably old-fashioned
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon preferably freshly ground
  • 1/4 cup butter unsalted preferred
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup choose based on desired sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup nuts chopped, optional
  • ¼ cup dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries, optional

Equipment

  • 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and salt, creating a fragrant dry mixture.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling softly and smells nutty. Stir in the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract, warming everything together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
  4. Pour the warm liquid over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold and stir until the oats are evenly coated and the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed.
  5. If you’re adding nuts or dried fruit, gently fold them into the mixture now for bursts of flavor and texture.
  6. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press down firmly with the back of a spatula or your fingers to create an even, compact layer—this helps the bars hold together after baking.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown and the top looks slightly caramelized. The kitchen will fill with warm cinnamon and toasted oats aroma.
  8. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. During this time, the bars will set and become easier to cut.
  9. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper or cut directly in the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles as desired.
  10. Allow the bars to rest for another 10 minutes before serving to ensure they are firm and hold their shape. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the oats lightly before mixing. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.