Recipe: Mandarin Oatmeal Bars

Recipe: Mandarin Oatmeal Bars

Mandarin oatmeal bars are a healthy and flavorful treat that combines the chewiness of oats with the refreshing zest of mandarin oranges. Perfect as a snack, breakfast, or an on-the-go treat, these bars are easy to make, packed with nutrients, and bursting with citrus flavor. The natural sweetness from the mandarins and the heartiness of oats make these bars not only satisfying but also a great way to boost your energy.

This recipe is versatile and can be customized with additional ingredients like nuts, seeds, or other fruits. But the mandarin flavor steals the show, making these bars a perfect balance of fresh, fruity, and wholesome. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or simply looking for a healthy dessert option, mandarin oatmeal bars will become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Oatmeal Bars:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mandarin oranges, peeled and chopped into small pieces
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chia seeds or ground flaxseeds (optional for added fiber)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or spatula
• 9x9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when the bars are ready to bake.

2. Prepare the Pan
   Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of oil. Parchment paper makes it easy to remove the bars from the pan once they’ve cooled.

Step 2: Prepare the Oatmeal Mixture

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and any optional dry ingredients, such as chia seeds or flaxseeds. Stir them together to ensure they are evenly distributed.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup), applesauce (or mashed banana), almond butter, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Stir until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the Chopped Mandarins
   Gently fold in the chopped mandarin oranges, being careful not to break up the fruit too much. The citrus will release some of its juice into the mixture, adding moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but firm enough to hold together when pressed into the pan.

2. Add Optional Add-ins
   If you’re using chopped nuts or additional seeds, fold them into the mixture at this point. The nuts will add crunch and extra flavor, complementing the citrus sweetness of the mandarins.

Step 4: Bake the Oatmeal Bars

1. Transfer to the Baking Pan
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly to make sure the bars are compact. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the top.

2. Bake the Bars
   Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bars are golden brown around the edges. The center should feel firm when touched.

3. Cool Before Cutting
   Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. Cooling them helps them firm up and makes them easier to cut into bars.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

1. Cut into Bars
   After the bars have cooled, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles. This recipe typically makes about 12-16 bars, depending on the size you prefer.

2. Serve
   Enjoy these mandarin oatmeal bars as a quick snack, a nutritious breakfast, or an energy-boosting treat before or after workouts. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Different Fruits
   While mandarin oranges bring a unique citrus flavor, you can also experiment with other fruits like clementines, oranges, or even berries. You can replace the mandarins with fresh or dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apples.

2. Add Some Protein
   To make these bars even more filling, try adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the wet ingredients. This will increase the protein content and make them a great post-workout snack.

3. Sweeten to Taste
   The amount of sweetener can be adjusted based on your taste. If you prefer a less sweet snack, reduce the amount of honey or syrup, or substitute with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

4. Make them Vegan
   If you want to make these bars vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and swap the almond butter for a nut butter of your choice. Ensure that the ingredients are plant-based, and you’re good to go!

5. Try a Crunchy Topping
   For an added crunch, top the batter with extra oats or a sprinkle of granola before baking. This adds texture and a bit more flavor to the bars.

Health Benefits

1. Oats
   Oats are a fantastic source of soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar. They are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack.

2. Mandarins
   Mandarins are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and maintain healthy skin. They also contain antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress.

3. Nuts and Seeds
   Adding nuts and seeds like almonds or chia seeds provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which keep you feeling full longer. These ingredients also support heart health and provide a steady source of energy.

Conclusion

Mandarin oatmeal bars are a refreshing, flavorful snack that combines the natural sweetness of oats with the zesty citrus notes of mandarins. The addition of nuts, seeds, and a touch of cinnamon makes these bars not only delicious but also nourishing. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or a wholesome snack to fuel your day, these bars are a perfect choice.

Easy to make and customizable to your preferences, these oatmeal bars will quickly become a staple in your snack repertoire. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the refreshing combination of mandarin and oats in every bite!