Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars Recipe

The Best Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars Recipe for Sweet Snacks

Cinnamon oatmeal granola bars offer a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that revamp ordinary snacking into a memorable experience.

Hearty whole grains provide a robust foundation for these delectable treats, creating a satisfying texture that keeps you energized throughout the day.

Warm spices infuse each bite with rich, comforting flavors that dance across your palate with elegant simplicity.

Nutritious and convenient, these bars represent a smart choice for people seeking a quick, balanced meal or afternoon pick-me-up.

Their homemade charm surpasses anything you might find on store shelves, combining natural sweetness with a perfect balance of crunch and softness.

Each bar represents a delicious intersection of health and indulgence, proving that nutritious food can also be incredibly tasty.

The magic happens when simple ingredients come together with careful preparation and a dash of culinary creativity.

Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars That Hit the Spot

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: These cinnamon oatmeal granola bars deliver homemade goodness in just minutes, perfect for busy mornings or fast snacks without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Enjoy Versatile Nutrition: Packed with hearty oats, protein-rich almond butter, and natural maple syrup, these bars offer balanced energy that keeps you satisfied between meals.
  • Customize Your Snack: The simple base recipe welcomes creative mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits, letting you personalize each batch to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Store with Ease: Incredibly convenient bars that stay fresh at room temperature for three days, extend to two weeks in the refrigerator, or freeze up to three months for long-term snacking without losing quality.

Ingredient List for Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Almond Butter: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and adds rich, nutty flavor with protein benefits.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that provides moisture and caramel-like taste with smooth consistency.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Rolled Oats: Hearty whole grain that creates texture and provides substantial nutritional foundation.
  • Chia Seeds: Tiny nutrient-dense seeds that add crunch and boost omega-3 content.
  • Flaxseed Meal: Nutritional powerhouse with fiber and healthy fats for extra binding and health benefits.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer that adds depth and warmth to the granola bars.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that provides comforting flavor and subtle sweet undertone.
  • Salt: Small amount to balance sweetness and enhance overall flavor profile.

How to Bake Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars Simply

Step 1: Prepare Melting Base

In a medium pot, combine almond butter and maple syrup. Heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously until the mixture melts and blends smoothly, approximately 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients to the pot or another bowl. Stir thoroughly until everything is completely incorporated and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Spread and Press Mixture

Transfer the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch square pan. Use a spatula to press down firmly, ensuring the mix is level and compact across the entire surface.

Step 4: Cut and Shape Bars

Slice the pressed mixture into 12 uniform bars by cutting 2 rows vertically and 6 rows horizontally.

Step 5: Store Granola Bars

Store the bars at room temperature for 3 days. For extended freshness, place in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months. Always keep in an airtight container or sealed bag to maintain quality and prevent moisture.

Tips for Better Texture in Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars

  • Press Firmly: Use the back of a spatula or your hands to compact the mixture evenly in the pan, ensuring bars hold together perfectly without crumbling.
  • Customize Crunch: Swap nuts or add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for extra texture and personalized flavor profile.
  • Chill for Stability: Refrigerate bars for 30 minutes before cutting to help them set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
  • Storage Hack: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for convenient grab-and-go snacking and to prevent sticking.
  • Temperature Matters: Let bars cool completely at room temperature before cutting to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.

How to Store Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars Properly

  • Store these delightful cinnamon oatmeal granola bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture. Refrigerate for maximum longevity, keeping them crisp and delicious for up to 2 weeks. Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper, which allows for quick grab-and-go snacks lasting up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen bars at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or microwave briefly for a warm, soft treat. To prevent bars from becoming soggy, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers during storage, ensuring each bar remains perfectly intact and ready to satisfy your snack craving.

What Goes Well with Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars

  • Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: The warm, spicy cinnamon notes in the granola bars complement the rich, smooth espresso and frothy milk of a cappuccino, creating a delightful morning breakfast combination.
  • Match with Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer the granola bars crumbled on top of vanilla Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey, adding texture and a sweet crunch to the creamy base.
  • Serve alongside Apple Cider: The autumnal spices in the granola bars beautifully echo the warm, slightly tart flavors of fresh apple cider, making for a cozy seasonal snack pairing.
  • Enjoy with Almond Milk Smoothie: Blend a creamy almond milk smoothie with banana and a touch of cinnamon to enhance the nutty, sweet undertones of the granola bars.

Fun Variations for Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars

  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Adventure: Swap almond butter with peanut butter and fold in dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent version that chocolate lovers will crave.
  • Berry Blast Granola Bars: Mix in dried cranberries and chopped almonds, then drizzle melted white chocolate on top for a fruity, crunchy sensation that brightens the classic recipe.
  • Tropical Coconut Crunch: Replace maple syrup with honey, add shredded coconut and crushed macadamia nuts, creating a Hawaiian-inspired treat with exotic flavor notes.
  • Protein Power Bars: Incorporate a scoop of vanilla protein powder and add chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost that makes these bars perfect for post-workout snacking.
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Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars Recipe

Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 9 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cinnamon Oatmeal Granola Bars offer a delightful blend of wholesome oats, warm spices, and sweet honey. Crisp and chewy with a perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors, these homemade bars provide a satisfying snack you’ll crave any time of day.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups quick oats
  • 1 cup almond butter
  • ½ cup maple syrup

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Optional Ingredient:

  • 2 tablespoons ground flax

Instructions

  1. Warm almond butter and maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat (about 59°C or 138°F), gently stirring until completely melted and smoothly combined, approximately 2-4 minutes.
  2. Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the liquid mixture to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add all remaining dry and wet ingredients into the bowl, using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula to thoroughly blend and ensure each component is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  4. Prepare an 8×8 inch (20×20 centimeters) baking pan by lightly coating the surface with cooking spray or brushing with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan, using a flat spatula or the back of a spoon to press and compact the mixture uniformly, creating an even layer with consistent thickness.
  6. Allow the granola mixture to cool and set at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes until firm enough to slice cleanly.
  7. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the cooled mixture into 12 rectangular bars, creating a grid pattern of 2 rows by 6 rows.
  8. For optimal freshness, store the cinnamon oatmeal granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, or freeze for maximum preservation of up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Prep these bars quickly with just one pot and minimal kitchen tools, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Mix ingredients while warm to help them blend smoothly and create a perfectly cohesive texture.
  • Press mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together and don’t crumble when cut.
  • Customize by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts for extra flavor and personal touch.
  • Refrigeration extends shelf life, keeping bars fresh and maintaining their delicious texture for weeks.
  • Wrap individually for easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack option during busy mornings or afternoon energy slumps.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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