These Oatmeal Quinoa Breakfast Bars are super easy to make! They cook in only 25 minutes, are insanely moist, are made using all wholesome clean ingredients, and they are considered Vegan! They make the perfect healthy meal prep breakfast for you to store in your fridge all week long.
Hello busy Mom's out there! Do you need a quick breakfast with which you can grab and rush out the door? Welp, Oatmeal Quinoa Breakfast Bars are here! Healthy and ready to go! This is a healthy breakfast you can meal prep, which is always a bonus.
Most of the ingredients are ones that I always have on hand so I didn't have to do much shopping prior. If you are on the hunt for more healthy breakfast ideas you make for those busy weekday mornings then you should check out my PB & J Oatmeal Cups and my Healthy Blueberry Muffins!
Table of contents
Ingredients needed
Here is a photo of all the ingredients you will need to make this recipe with labels included. Below the picture are some helpful tips for each ingredient.
- old-fashioned oats - I prefer old-fashioned oats, but you can also use rolled oats or large flake oats for best results.
- quinoa - cooked and cooled completely
- baking powder - this helps to give the final product a light and airy texture.
- cinnamon - helps to elevate the flavor of these bars.
- salt - using salt in any recipe enhances the flavor of the ingredients.
- bananas - ripened and mashed. The bananas in this recipe replace the eggs and also add moisture.
- flaxseed meal - used in place of eggs to make the bars dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- peanut butter - adds a rich and nutty flavor.
- coconut oil - melted, I like to use the liquid form of coconut oil because when you melt your own it tends to harden too quickly.
- pure maple syrup - a healthier way to sweeten your bars. Replaces using any sugar.
Directions
Step-by-step directions for making this meal.
Step 1 - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients oats, quinoa (cooled), baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Step 2 - In a small bowl whisk together mashed bananas, flaxseed or egg, peanut butter, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup.
Step 3 - Fold the banana mixture into the oat mixture and mix well to combine. Also, fold in any variations that you would like mixed into your bars.
Step 4 - Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting into squares.
Substitutions and Variations
Add-Ins - here are a few ingredients you can always add to change up the flavor.
- semi-sweet dark chocolate chip morsels
- blueberries
- dried cranberries
Flaxseed Meal - can always swap in eggs in place of the flaxseed.
Why meal prep
The week before is when I usually decide what I'm going to make for the upcoming week and create my shopping list. On Sundays, I prep my food. Sundays work for me because my husband is home then so I have some help with the kids.
If you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle then meal prepping will be your best friend. It takes the guesswork out of those busy weekday mornings when you are trying to make it out of the door on time. I barely have time to brush my teeth in the mornings. So, when it comes to making healthy eating choices meal prepping helps you stay on track.
How can the kids help
I love including my kids in my cooking! I find it such a fun activity to do with kids and they also enjoy it just as much as I do. It's a great bonding activity and a learning experience wrapped up in one. Here are some fun ideas to include them in this recipe.
- Have them add in each ingredient using the appropriate measurement. <secret math lesson ;)>
- Show them how to mash up the bananas. I guarantee they will love this part.
- Fold in those chocolate chips and give them an extra handful for snacking 🙂
Tips and FAQ's
Yes! They sure are. I've swapped out eggs for flaxseed meal and bananas and there is no milk or other dairy products used in this recipe.
You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days or place them in a freezer-sealed bag and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Make sure you let your bars cool completely before cutting. They will be more firm if you let them cool entirely.
Other Healthy Breakfast Ideas
If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- 8 x 8 inch baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup quinoa cooked and cooled
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 3 bananas ripe and mashed
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- cooking spray
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate morsels
- 1 tbsp coconut oil melted
Instructions
- Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray an 8x8 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2 - In a large bowl combine oats, quinoa (cooled), baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Step 3 - In a small bowl combine mashed banana, flaxseed meal, peanut butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Mix well to combine.
- Step 4 - Pour banana mixture into oat mixture and mix well to combine.
- Step 5 - Fold in chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. Let the batter sit for 10 minutes to let the flaxseed absorb some of the liquid.
- Step 6 - Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with more chocolate chips, if desired.
- Step 7 - Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
Nutrition
Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her love for health and nutrition!
After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
Great recipe! Easy to make and grab and go!
Quick question about the quinoa is it 1 cup dry that you cook and cool (2-3 cups quinoa after cooking) or 1 cup of quinoa after it had been cooked?
Hi Mary,
It is one cup of quinoa after it has been cooked and cooled.
Enjoy,
Jillian
Thank you Lori 🙂
Any sub for the banana? (Family members does not like the taste of bananas) Can PB powder be used in place of peanut butter?
Some substitutions that you can use in place of the bananas are 1 1/2 cups of applesauce, 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, or even a mashed avacado. If you want to use peanut butter powder I would mix it with water to form a paste like substance. I would mix mix 1 tbsp. of the powder with 1 tbsp. of water or milk for each tablespoon. Hope you enjoy 🙂