ADVERTISEMENT
—
### **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with cooking spray for easy removal later.
#### 2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **rolled oats**, **almond flour**, **ground cinnamon**, and **salt**. Stir them together until evenly mixed. If you prefer a gluten-free version, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
#### 3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, combine the **applesauce**, **honey or maple syrup**, **vanilla extract**, and **almond milk**. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will add sweetness and moisture to the bars.
#### 4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is thoroughly combined. If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more almond milk to reach a thick, but spreadable consistency.
#### 5. **Fold in the Raspberries**
Gently fold in the **fresh raspberries** (or frozen, if that’s what you’re using). Be careful not to mash them too much—you’re aiming for whole, juicy berries in every bite!
#### 6. **Bake the Bars**
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
#### 7. **Cool and Slice**
Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares or bars.
—
### **Why These Bars Are So Healthy**
– **Oats**: Oats are packed with soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels. They also provide a steady source of energy, making these bars a great choice for a breakfast or pre-workout snack.
– **Raspberries**: Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, and are also high in fiber. These little berries help reduce inflammation and promote healthy digestion.
– **Almond Flour**: Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour, and it adds healthy fats and protein to the bars. It’s also lower in carbohydrates than regular flour, making this recipe a great option for those on a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
– **Applesauce**: Using unsweetened applesauce as a base for moisture in the recipe not only adds a bit of sweetness but also reduces the need for added fats like butter or oil, keeping these bars light and healthy.
– **Natural Sweeteners**: The honey or maple syrup provides a natural sweetness without the refined sugars found in many store-bought snacks, while still keeping the bars moist and flavorful.
– **Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds**: These superfoods add fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, enhancing the nutritional profile of these bars.
—
### **Tips for Perfect Skinny Raspberry Oatmeal Bars**
– **Don’t Overmix**: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until combined to keep the bars light and airy.
– **Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries**: You can use fresh or frozen raspberries. If using frozen, allow them to thaw slightly and drain off any excess moisture before adding them to the batter to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
– **Customize the Berries**: Feel free to swap out the raspberries for other berries such as blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries if you prefer.
– **Add Crunch**: If you like a bit of crunch, you can add some chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the batter.
– **Store for Later**: These bars store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to **5 days**. You can also freeze them for up to **2 months**—just be sure to wrap them individually to keep them fresh.
—
### **Serving Suggestions**
– **Grab-and-Go Breakfast**: These bars are perfect for a quick, healthy breakfast when you’re in a rush. Pair them with a smoothie or a cup of coffee for a balanced start to your day.
– **Midday Snack**: Pack them in your lunchbox or keep them in your desk drawer for a satisfying snack between meals. They’ll keep you full and energized without the sugar crash.
– **Post-Workout Fuel**: After a workout, enjoy one of these bars for a boost of carbs, fiber, and protein to help your muscles recover.
– **Dessert**: These bars can even double as a healthier dessert option when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to indulge in heavy, sugary treats.
—
### **Why This Recipe Works So Well**
These **Skinny Raspberry Oatmeal Bars** are an ideal snack for anyone looking to enjoy something sweet without the guilt. The combination of oats, raspberries, and almond flour creates a satisfying, hearty texture that will curb your hunger and give you lasting energy throughout the day. With minimal sugar, healthy fats, and fiber, these bars are not only good for you but also taste amazing.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, need a quick breakfast, or are looking for a healthy dessert, these bars are the perfect solution. They’re easy to make, customizable, and best of all, delicious!
—
### **Conclusion:**
If you’re looking for a healthy, easy-to-make snack or breakfast option, **Skinny Raspberry Oatmeal Bars** should be your go-to recipe. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a batch of delicious, nutritious bars that satisfy your cravings without weighing you down. Full of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, these bars are the perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat while still staying on track with your health goals.
So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to these **Skinny Raspberry Oatmeal Bars**—your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
ADVERTISEMENT
