Easy 5-Ingredient Orange Oat Bars RECIPE (Healthy, Vegan)

If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast option that is both healthy and satisfying, this orange bars recipe is an excellent choice.

As a dietitian, I love starting my day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast, such as a homemade oatmeal bar.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with zesty orange flavor, these homemade energy bars keep me energized throughout the morning.

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Healthy Orange Bars Recipe

These baked healthy orange bars are a nutritious treat to kickstart your day. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, orange zest, almond flour, and cashew butter, these bars offer a burst of zesty orange flavor and a moist, chewy texture.

Prep Time2 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: breakfast oatmeal bars, gluten free, oatmeal bars

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 267kcal

Author: Wan Na Chun

Equipment

• Food processor

Ingredients

• 2 cups oats
• 1 medium orange
• Zest of 1 orange
• ¼ cup almond flour
• 2 tablespoon cashew butter
• 3 tablespoon coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla optional
• Pinch of salt optional

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
• In a food processor, add the oats, orange segments, orange zest, almond flour, cashew butter, coconut sugar, vanilla (if using), and salt (if using).
• Process the ingredients until well combined and the mixture forms a sticky dough.
• The texture should be similar to cookie dough. Feel free to add more almond flour or water to adjust the texture.
• Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bars are golden brown.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to make ingredient substitutions based on your dietary preferences or pantry availability. You can replace the almond flour with another type of nut flour or use a different nut or seed butter instead of cashew butter. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly.

Orange Varieties: You can use any variety of orange for this recipe, such as navel oranges or Valencia oranges. Choose oranges that are ripe and fragrant to enhance the natural orange flavor in the bars.

Zesting the Orange: When zesting the orange, make sure to only grate the outermost layer of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. The zest adds a concentrated citrus flavor to the bars, so use a fine grater or zester for best results.

Food Processor vs. Blender: While the recipe calls for using a food processor, you can also use a high-speed blender to combine the ingredients. Blend the mixture until it forms a sticky dough-like consistency.

Customization Options: Get creative with your soft baked healthy orange oatmeal breakfast bars by adding mix-ins or toppings of your choice. Consider adding dried fruits, such as cranberries or chopped dates, or sprinkle some shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top before baking.

Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars while baking, as oven temperatures may vary. Bake them until they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Adjust the baking time as needed.

Cooling and Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares or rectangles. This helps them set and maintain their shape.

Storage: Store the soft baked healthy orange oatmeal breakfast bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg

Why should I make these?

Tips for Customizing Your Oatmeal Energy Bars

You can personalize your oatmeal energy bars by adding additional mix-ins and toppings. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
• Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars or shave dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Add dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, to enhance the sweetness.
• Experiment with different nut or seed butters for variation in taste.

Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to suit your preferences!

Storage and Shelf Life

To ensure the freshness of your oatmeal energy bars, follow these storage guidelines:

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing them.
• Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
• These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.

This orange bar recipe would be great as meal prep for a quick and nutritious breakfast on busy mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use a different nut butter in the recipe?

A1: Absolutely! You can experiment with different nut or seed butters to add variety to your bars. Try using peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter for different flavors.

Q2: Can I substitute the almond flour with another type of flour?

A2: Yes, you can try substituting almond flour with other gluten-free alternatives like coconut flour or oat flour. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Q3: Are these breakfast bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?

A3: Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the oats used are certified gluten-free and choosing a gluten-free alternative for the almond flour.

Q4: Can I use a different sweetener instead of coconut sugar?

A4: Certainly! You can use maple syrup, honey, or another natural sweetener of your choice. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.

Q5: Can I use a blender instead of a food processor for this recipe?

A5: While a food processor is recommended for blending the ingredients together, a blender can also be used as an alternative.

However, it's important to note that blenders may require additional liquid or a smaller batch size to effectively blend the ingredients.

You may need to pause and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure even blending. Keep in mind that the texture of the final mixture may vary slightly when using a blender.

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These 5-Ingredient Orange Oat Bars are not only a healthy breakfast option but is a burst of vibrant flavors to start your day off on a nutritious foot.

With just a few simple steps and the magic of a food processor, you can create these oatmeal energy bars that are packed with wholesome ingredients.

If you want other easy recipes that can be made in the food processor check out my recipe for vegan banana bread, homemade cheese crackers, copycat Heavenly Hunks, or no-bake protein bars.

Looking for other healthy and delicious breakfast options? Check out these recipes on my blog.