12 Morning Bars You’ll Love Making Again and Again
Nothing beats starting your day with homemade breakfast bars that taste amazing and fuel your morning. These portable treats make busy mornings so much easier.
From fruity oat combinations to chocolate-packed energy bites, these recipes turn simple ingredients into grab-and-go breakfast solutions everyone will love.
01. Fresh Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bars
Sweet summer strawberries meet hearty oats in these delightful baked bars. Perfect for breakfast on busy mornings or as an afternoon snack with coffee.
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1½ cups fresh strawberries (diced), 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup butter (melted), 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Fresh Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bars
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cutting so much cleaner.
2. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, being careful not to overmix which can make the bars tough.
4. Press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center feels set when lightly touched.
02. Simple Coconut Date Energy Bars
Five ingredients create these no-bake energy powerhouses that beat any store-bought bar. Dates and nuts blend into chewy, satisfying squares perfect for busy days.
Ingredients: 2 cups pitted Medjool dates, 1 cup raw cashews, ½ cup raw almonds, ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.
How To Make Simple Coconut Date Energy Bars
1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside. If your dates feel dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain completely before using.
2. Add cashews and almonds to your food processor and pulse until they’re chopped into small, uniform pieces but not powdered. You want some texture remaining for the perfect bite.
3. Add dates and vanilla to the processor with the nuts. Process for 2-3 minutes until the mixture forms a sticky paste that holds together when squeezed between your fingers.
4. Add coconut and pulse just a few times to incorporate evenly. Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan using clean hands or the back of a spoon.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm, then cut into 12 squares. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week for best texture and freshness.
03. Classic Blueberry Breakfast Bars
All the flavors of blueberry muffins in perfectly portioned bars. These baked treats give you portion control while delivering that beloved muffin taste you crave.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 large egg, ¾ cup milk, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
How To Make Classic Blueberry Breakfast Bars
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. Toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine oil, egg, milk, and lemon zest until smooth.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix or your bars will be tough. Gently fold in the flour-coated blueberries.
4. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool completely in pan before cutting into bars. This prevents crumbling and gives you clean, bakery-perfect squares every time.
04. Power-Packed Peanut Energy Bars
Loaded with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, these protein-rich bars fuel your morning workouts. The perfect grab-and-go option when you need sustained energy fast.
Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned oats, ½ cup peanuts (chopped), ¼ cup sunflower seeds, ¼ cup dried cranberries, ¼ cup honey, 3 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
How To Make Power-Packed Peanut Energy Bars
1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Combine oats, chopped peanuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, and cranberries in a large mixing bowl.
2. Heat honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and just beginning to bubble around the edges, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract. Pour the hot mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
4. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan using the back of a spoon or clean hands. The firmer you press, the better your bars will hold together when cut.
5. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until completely set and firm. Cut into 12 bars and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
05. Homemade Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
These baked granola bars capture all the comfort of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies in convenient bar form. Chewy, sweet, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup butter (melted), ⅓ cup honey, 1 large egg, ½ cup mini chocolate chips, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Homemade Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper. Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined.
2. Whisk together melted butter, honey, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is moistened.
3. Fold in chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Press firmly into your prepared pan, creating an even layer.
4. Bake for 22-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center feels set but still slightly soft. Don’t overbake or they’ll become dry.
5. Cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours before cutting. This cooling time is crucial for bars that hold together perfectly when sliced.
06. Mixed Dried Fruit Breakfast Bars
Packed with a medley of dried fruits, these wholesome bars make breakfast prep effortless. Grab one and go for a naturally sweet start to your day.
Ingredients: 1½ cups old-fashioned oats, ½ cup mixed dried fruit (chopped), ½ cup whole wheat flour, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup coconut oil (melted), 1 large egg, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Mixed Dried Fruit Breakfast Bars
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Chop any large pieces of dried fruit into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
2. Combine oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, whisk together honey, melted coconut oil, and egg until completely smooth.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped dried fruit, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan, creating an even surface. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
5. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. These keep well wrapped at room temperature for up to 5 days, perfect for meal prep.
07. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Rich dates provide natural sweetness while peanut butter delivers protein power in these satisfying no-bake squares. Fiber-rich oats make them extra filling and nutritious.
Ingredients: 2 cups pitted Medjool dates, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, ½ cup natural peanut butter, ¼ cup roasted peanuts (chopped), 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips.
How To Make No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside. If your dates are firm, soak them in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before processing.
2. Add dates to your food processor and process until they form a smooth, sticky paste. Add oats and pulse until they’re chopped but still have some texture remaining.
3. Add peanut butter and cocoa powder to the processor and blend until the mixture comes together into a cohesive, fudgy consistency that holds together when pressed.
4. Transfer mixture to a bowl and fold in chopped peanuts and chocolate chips by hand. Press firmly into your prepared pan using clean hands or parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until firm and set. Cut into 12 squares and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for best texture.
08. Cinnamon Apple Streusel Bars
Sweet cinnamon-spiced apple bars with a crumbly streusel topping make the perfect afternoon treat. Pair beautifully with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy moment.
Ingredients: 2 cups diced fresh apples, 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup brown sugar, ½ cup butter (cold, cubed), ½ cup old-fashioned oats, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Cinnamon Apple Streusel Bars
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper. Toss diced apples with half the cinnamon to coat evenly and set aside.
2. Mix flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Remove 1 cup of the crumb mixture and set aside for topping. Add egg and oats to remaining mixture, stirring until it forms a cohesive dough.
4. Press dough into prepared pan, creating an even base layer. Top with seasoned apples, then sprinkle reserved crumb mixture evenly over the fruit.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the streusel topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
09. Spiced Carrot Cake Oat Bars
All the beloved flavors of carrot cake transformed into portable oat bars with less sugar. Shredded carrots add natural sweetness and moisture to every bite.
Ingredients: 1½ cups old-fashioned oats, 1 cup finely shredded carrots, ¾ cup whole wheat flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup coconut oil (melted), 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Spiced Carrot Cake Oat Bars
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure your carrots are finely shredded so they distribute evenly throughout the bars.
2. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in shredded carrots, making sure they’re evenly distributed without overmixing the batter.
4. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan and bake for 22-26 minutes until edges are golden and center springs back lightly when touched.
5. Cool completely in pan before cutting into bars. The cooling process helps them set properly and prevents crumbling when you slice them into perfect squares.
10. Bright Lemon Blueberry Oat Bars
Fresh blueberries burst with flavor while lemon zest adds brightness to these hearty oat bars. Like eating a bowl of oatmeal you can hold in your hands.
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1 cup fresh blueberries, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup honey, ⅓ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Bright Lemon Blueberry Oat Bars
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper. Toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
2. Mix oats, remaining flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk honey, melted butter, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in flour-coated blueberries, being careful not to burst them while mixing.
4. Spread mixture evenly in prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and center feels set but still slightly soft to touch.
5. Cool completely before cutting to prevent the bars from falling apart. The lemon flavor actually intensifies as they cool, making patience totally worth it.
11. Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars
Skip the store-bought versions and make these customizable granola bars at home. Dried cherries and chocolate chips create an irresistible flavor combination everyone loves.
Ingredients: 2½ cups old-fashioned oats, ½ cup dried cherries, ½ cup mini chocolate chips, ¼ cup shredded coconut, ⅓ cup honey, ¼ cup almond butter, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Cherry Chocolate Granola Bars
1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 325°F. Combine oats, dried cherries, chocolate chips, coconut, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Heat honey, almond butter, and coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and just beginning to bubble around the edges.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour hot mixture over dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and holds together when squeezed.
4. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan, really packing it down tight. Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges are golden brown but center still looks slightly soft.
5. Cool completely in pan for at least 2 hours before cutting. This cooling time is essential for bars that hold together perfectly and don’t crumble when sliced.
12. Classic Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Bars
Enjoy dessert flavors for breakfast with these tender oatmeal-raisin bars made from pantry staples. Sweet, satisfying, and perfect for grab-and-go morning fuel.
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup raisins, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup butter (melted), 2 large eggs, ¼ cup milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Classic Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Bars
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. This larger pan creates perfectly portioned bars.
2. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla in another bowl until smooth.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir until just combined. The batter should be moist but not overmixed. Fold in raisins, distributing them evenly throughout.
4. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and center springs back when lightly touched with your finger.
5. Cool completely in pan before cutting into bars. These taste amazing warm from the oven but cutting them while hot will result in crumbly, messy squares.
6. Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days, or wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months for ultimate meal prep convenience and freshness.
Final Thoughts
These homemade breakfast bars prove that morning fuel doesn’t have to come from a package. Simple ingredients transform into satisfying, portable meals that actually taste amazing.
Whether you prefer fruity combinations or chocolate-packed energy bites, there’s a perfect bar waiting to make your mornings so much easier and more delicious.
