Name: Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (made with quinoa) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup old fashioned oats; 1 cup quinoa (cooked and cooled); ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 3 bananas (ripe and mashed); 2 tbsp flaxseed meal; 2 tbsp peanut butter; 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted); 2 tbsp pure maple syrup; Cooking spray; 1 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate morsels

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a wholesome and delicious snack that energizes your mornings, these Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (made with quinoa) are an absolute game-changer. Packed with the nutty goodness of quinoa and hearty oats, they strike the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxing weekend, these bars deliver a nutritious boost that feels just like a comforting hug in every bite. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened and generously studded with chocolate chips, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages!

Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (made with quinoa) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with these Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (made with quinoa) is wonderfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays its own vital role, whether adding texture, flavor, or nutritional punch, ensuring every bite is a delight.

1 cup old fashioned oats: Provides hearty texture and slow-releasing energy to keep you fueled.
1 cup quinoa (cooked and cooled): Adds a subtle nutty flavor and a protein boost that makes these bars extra wholesome.
½ tsp baking powder: Gives a light lift to the bars, keeping them soft and tender.
½ tsp cinnamon: Infuses warm spice notes that pair perfectly with the bananas and chocolate.
pinch salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness naturally.
3 bananas (ripe and mashed): Sweeten the bars while keeping them naturally moist and tender.
2 tbsp flaxseed meal: Acts as a binder and adds omega-3s and fiber for a healthy kick.
2 tbsp peanut butter: Brings creamy richness and a subtle nutty depth.
cooking spray: Ensures your bars release easily from the pan without sticking.
2 tbsp pure maple syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness with lovely maple undertones.
1 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate morsels: Scattered throughout for pockets of melty, indulgent chocolate.
1 tbsp coconut oil (melted): Helps bind ingredients while contributing a gentle tropical aroma.

How to Make Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (made with quinoa)

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and generously spraying an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This step is essential to prevent sticking and ensure your bars come out perfectly shaped each time.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, cooked and cooled quinoa, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mixing these ahead helps distribute the rising agent and spices evenly for a consistent flavor and texture throughout the bars.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then stir in the flaxseed meal, peanut butter, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. This combination offers moisture, natural sweetness, and those wonderful binding properties from the flax and peanut butter.

Step 4: Bring Both Mixtures Together

Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry oat and quinoa mixture. Stir everything well until all ingredients are fully incorporated—the batter should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Morsels

Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula, spreading them evenly. Letting the batter sit for 10 minutes now gives the flaxseed a chance to absorb moisture, which helps the bars hold together beautifully once baked.

Step 6: Transfer and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. For an extra chocolatey touch, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top before placing it in the oven.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 25 minutes until golden and slightly firm to the touch. Then, remove from the oven and set the dish on a cooling rack to cool completely—this step is crucial for achieving perfect squares that won’t crumble apart.

How to Serve Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (made with quinoa)

Garnishes

These bars are delicious on their own but shine when topped with a drizzle of pure honey, a dusting of cinnamon, or a smear of almond butter. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add a burst of color and natural sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your breakfast bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the rich flavors. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt or a fresh fruit salad for refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut your bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter with a small bowl of nut butter for dipping. Alternatively, layer crumbled bars in parfait glasses with yogurt and granola for a visually stunning and tasty breakfast treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (made with quinoa) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This makes for incredibly convenient grab-and-go snacks or quick breakfasts throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a healthy bite ready whenever hunger strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm, freshly-baked feel, microwave bars for about 20 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven until just heated through. This revives the gooey chocolate and soft texture, making them taste as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of old fashioned oats?

While old fashioned oats work best for the chewy texture of these bars, you can substitute instant oats if needed, but expect a softer, less hearty bar.

Is it necessary to cook quinoa before adding it?

Yes, quinoa must be cooked and cooled before mixing in. Raw quinoa would remain crunchy and tough, detracting from the pleasant texture of the bars.

Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter make great alternatives that will slightly change the flavor profile but keep the richness intact.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be, if you use certified gluten-free oats. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your oats if gluten is a concern.

Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries add fantastic texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (made with quinoa) have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, offering the ideal blend of nutrition, flavor, and convenience. I genuinely encourage you to try making them—you’ll love how they brighten your mornings with wholesome ingredients and a touch of indulgence. Trust me, once you have this recipe in your repertoire, there’s no going back!

Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (made with quinoa) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9 bars (3×3 cut squares) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Oatmeal Breakfast Bars made with nutritious quinoa are a wholesome and delicious way to start your day. Packed with oats, ripe bananas, peanut butter, and dark chocolate morsels, they provide a perfect balance of fiber, protein, and natural sweetness. Ideal for a quick breakfast or healthy snack, these bars are easy to make and wonderfully satisfying.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cooked and cooled quinoa, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until fully mixed.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the mashed bananas, flaxseed meal, peanut butter, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Mix thoroughly to form a uniform mixture.
Combine Both Mixtures: Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry oat and quinoa mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet dark chocolate morsels using a rubber spatula. Allow the batter to sit for about 10 minutes so the flaxseed meal can absorb some moisture, improving the texture.
Spread Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. For extra chocolatey goodness, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Once done, remove the baking dish and place it on a cooling rack. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares to ensure they hold together well.

Notes

Make sure quinoa is fully cooked and cooled before mixing with other ingredients to prevent sogginess.
If you prefer nut-free, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better binding.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
For a vegan option, ensure the chocolate morsels are dairy-free.
You can also add nuts or dried fruits to customize flavor and texture.
Allowing the batter to rest lets the flaxseed meal absorb moisture, improving the final bar’s texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American