Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Some people love cold weather.

Unfortunately, I am not one of these people.

Every winter when I walk outside and the bitter cold slams into my face, I silently vow to relocate to a warm and tropical location… as soon as is humanly possible.

Somehow I ended up in Washington, D.C.

Not really sure what happened there.

Seeing as there are currently 4 inches of snow outside my window, in the exact spot where I ought to be seeing ocean waves and palm trees, I’ve been forced to find alternative methods of staying warm. Alternative methods: such as heating up the oven to make these apple oatmeal breakfast bars.

Who needs the beach anyway?

(Okay wait, I take that back…)

Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Category: Healthy Oatmeal Recipes

• 2/3 cup milk of choice (160g)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (2g)
• 3 tbsp ground flaxmeal (or ground chia) (18g)
• 3 1/2 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil (35g) (You can omit if desired without altering the texture. it just won’t be as rich and buttery.)
• 1/16 tsp uncut stevia, or 2 tbsp sugar of choice (this goes in with wet ingredients)
• 2 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apple slices (about 2 large apples)
• 1 cup rolled oats (85g)
• 3-6 tbsp brown sugar or or coconut sugar or xylitol, depending on desired sweetness (3 is slightly sweet) (this goes in with dry ingredients) (30-60g)
• 1/2 cup raisins, optional
• 1 tsp cinnamon or apple pie spice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup more milk of choice (120g)

Oatmeal Breakfast Bars: Preheat the oven to 375 F and lightly grease an 8-in square baking pan. Combine the first five ingredients in a mixing bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, stir together all remaining ingredients except the last 1/2 cup milk of choice. After letting the liquid ingredients sit for at least 5 minutes, pour into the prepared baking pan. Then pour the bowl of dry ingredients over top and stir. Finally, pour the remaining 1/2 cup milk over everything. Bake 35 minutes. Broil an additional minute if desired. Let sit 10 minutes before cutting into slices. Frost with your favorite frosting or the following recipe: Healthy Cream Cheese Frosting. Serves 4-6.

Click for: Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Nutrition Facts

Question of the Day:
Winter: Do you love it or hate it?

My sister is one of those people who loves the cold. She tells me this is because cold weather means a need for a larger wardrobe, which means more chances to be fashionable. (Hats! Scarves! Pea coats!) Sometimes it’s difficult to believe we are related…