It’s nice to do things for other people. It’s even nicer when it involves food, and when it’s not a time consuming deed. These little oatmeal bars are a perfect gift. Here’s why:
- They have a short ingredient list.
- They are healthy.
- They are good for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
- They freeze well.
- They are quick to make with few bowls to clean.
I really think this makes for a perfect goodie. Easy on the baker, easy on the recipient. I made two batches–one each for two friends with newborn babies. These little treats would be such a nice gift for new parents who don’t have time to grocery shop or research easy recipes to try. A grab and go bar to eat with one hand seems like a good idea. I’d like to receive something like it! Gifts baked with love are the best.
Chewy Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 C rolled oats
- ¼ C chopped walnuts
- 1/4 C sunflower seeds
- 1/2 C dried fruit (I did raisins in one batch and raisins + apricots in another)
- ¼ C brown sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 ½ C milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In two separate bowls, mix dry ingredients, then wet ingredients. Pour wet into dry, mixing until combined.
- Pour batter into a square baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy transferring. My dish is 9 x 9.
- Bake 30 minutes. Once cool, cut into bars or squares.
If you are curious about the nutritional info, they are 2 Weight Watchers Points Plus for a square, and 5 PP+ for a bar. The recipe makes 8 bars or 16 squares.
They are most tasty when slathered in peanut butter. For two points (not counting peanut butter), they would be a great little meal ender or something to snack on. I see a third batch in the making.
I saw two similar recipes online, one by Anne and one by Kath. I compared ingredients and instructions and created my own as the recipe above. Things you could change would be the type of dried fruit and seeds or using chocolate chips.
I loved that these bars were chewy and easy to slice, and not too sweet. A short ingredient list is also nice. These would be so nice to wrap individually and freeze to take when traveling. And I do encourage the use of nut butter slathered on. Makes it last longer.
I boxed up the squares in this box lined with foil on the bottom and tissue paper on top. And tied with a bow.
Since we didn’t get our own batch, I’m off to make another!
What’s your favorite food gift to give?
I love the short simple ingredients and that these are such a healthy treat
I love how easy and simple this treat is! Jealous I don’t have one in front of me right now =)
These look great! And the short ingredient list is an even better perk. Yum!
These look terrific! I’m going to give them a try, always on the lookout for new, healthy bar recipes!
I’m with you, making food gifts for people have to be one of the best things. For my Dad’s birthday this weekend, I plan on making him a chocolate cake. He’s going to LOVE it. So much more than a present.
I just love these bars and the simple ingredients list. Thanks for posting them on foodgawker
These are in the oven right now!