Are you craving a sweet treat that's also good for you? Look no further! These Lemon Poppyseed Oat Bars are the perfect guilt-free indulgence. They're bursting with bright lemon flavor, a delightful poppy seed crunch, and the wholesome goodness of oats. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dessert, a healthy snack, or even a satisfying breakfast. Get ready to experience homemade happiness with this simple yet delicious recipe – perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend baking session.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup almond flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ½ cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
- ¼ cup poppy seeds
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. This is a crucial step for easy cleanup and perfectly formed bars.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This step sets the foundation for a beautifully textured bar.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The combination of these ingredients will create the perfect moist and flavorful base for your oat bars.
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Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars.
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Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
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Cool & Cut: Let the oat bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes for cleaner cuts. Once cool, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
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Enjoy!: Serve and enjoy your homemade lemon poppyseed oat bars! They're delicious on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for Success:
- Oats: Using old-fashioned rolled oats will give you the best texture.
- Lemon Zest: Don't skip the lemon zest! It adds a bright, fresh flavor that's essential to this recipe. Use a microplane zester for the finest zest.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your bars towards the end of the baking time. If they brown too quickly, tent them loosely with foil.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would add a delightful crunch.
- Dried Fruit: Fold in some chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots for extra sweetness and texture.
- Chocolate Chips: A handful of dark chocolate chips would make a decadent addition.
- Different Sweetener: Feel free to experiment with other sweeteners like agave nectar or brown sugar.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and portion size)
This Lemon Poppyseed Oat Bar recipe is a fantastic addition to your healthy meal planning. It's a simple, quick dinner idea or a delightful dessert that the entire family will love. It's a perfect example of easy recipes and homemade cooking at its finest, ensuring delicious dishes with minimal effort. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!