Recipe: Oatmeal Bars with Black Currants

Recipe: Oatmeal Bars with Black Currants

Oatmeal bars with black currants are a delicious, healthy treat that combines the heartiness of oats with the tart sweetness of black currants. These bars are perfect for a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even as a lunchbox filler. Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and natural sweetness, they make for an energizing, nutritious option when you need a pick-me-up. Learn how to make oatmeal bars with black currants! These chewy, flavorful bars are packed with oats and sweet black currants, making them a perfect on-the-go snack or breakfast.  

In this recipe, we'll walk you through the steps to create these tasty oatmeal bars from scratch, using simple ingredients. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Oatmeal Bars:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey for a healthier alternative)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup black currants (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as almonds or walnuts)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once baked.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or mashed banana), milk, and vanilla extract. If you're using honey as your sweetener, add it to the wet mixture as well.

2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick but moist. If it feels too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Add the Black Currants

1. Fold in the Black Currants
   Gently fold in the black currants. If using frozen black currants, there’s no need to thaw them—just add them directly to the batter. Be gentle so the berries don’t break apart too much.

2. Add Nuts (Optional)
   If you like a bit of crunch in your bars, you can also fold in chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Pour the Batter into the Pan
   Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and press it down gently with a spatula to evenly distribute it.

2. Bake
   Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be firm to the touch but still soft in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool the Bars
   Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Slice and Serve
   Once the bars have cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. These oatmeal bars are perfect for a quick snack or a light breakfast.

Tips and Variations

1. Make It Vegan
   To make these oatmeal bars vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use mashed banana or maple syrup instead of honey.

2. Add Other Fruits
   Feel free to substitute the black currants with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins work well too.

3. Make It Gluten-Free
   For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of the whole wheat flour.

4. Boost Protein
   Add a scoop of protein powder or a handful of chia seeds to boost the nutritional value of these bars.

Health Benefits

1. Oats
   Oats are rich in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and improves heart health. They also provide sustained energy, making them an ideal ingredient for a breakfast bar.

2. Black Currants
   Black currants are packed with antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and protects against inflammation. They also support healthy digestion.

3. Applesauce
   Applesauce is a great substitute for oil or butter in baking. It helps reduce the fat content while keeping the bars moist and adds a subtle fruity flavor.

Storage

Store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.

Conclusion

Oatmeal bars with black currants are a healthy, delicious snack that’s perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up. The combination of chewy oats, sweet black currants, and optional nuts makes these bars a satisfying and nutritious treat. Easy to make and packed with goodness, these bars are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try them today and enjoy a tasty, wholesome treat!