INTRODUCTION

Heart-shaped breakfast oat bars are a delightful way to start your morning. They combine wholesome ingredients that make breakfast not just enjoyable but also nutritious. Whether you are looking for a quick snack to grab on the go or something fun for a special occasion, these oat bars offer a simple, sweet solution. The combination of oats, nuts, dried fruits, and a touch of chocolate creates a satisfying breakfast that not only tastes good but also makes your heart happy.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen. You only need a few ingredients, and the steps are straightforward. Second, the heart shape adds a lovely touch, making them perfect for sharing or for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or a cozy brunch with friends. Moreover, they are healthy. Oats provide fiber, nuts add protein, and the dried fruit gives a natural sweetness that is better than store-bought snacks. Lastly, these oat bars are versatile. You can tweak the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have at home.

HOW TO MAKE Heart-shaped breakfast oat bar

Making heart-shaped breakfast oat bars is fun and easy. It’s a simple process that anyone can follow. Just gather your ingredients, and let’s get started!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make these heart-shaped breakfast oat bars, you will need:

A baking dish (preferably square or rectangular)
Mixing bowls
A spoon or spatula
A knife or heart-shaped cookie cutter for shaping
An oven

Ingredients You’ll Need

A little oil, for greasing
125g porridge oats
30g almonds, flaked or roughly chopped
20g desiccated coconut
40g dried mango, diced into cubes
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp sea salt flakes
50g maple syrup (or use honey if you prefer the flavor)
50g coconut oil
50g golden caster sugar
25g Belgian White Chocolate, chopped

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your baking dish with a little oil to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, mix the porridge oats, flaked almonds, desiccated coconut, diced dried mango, ground ginger, and sea salt. Make sure everything is combined well.
In another bowl, combine the maple syrup, coconut oil, and golden caster sugar. Stir until the mixture is well mixed and smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is fully combined and evenly coated.
Gently fold in the chopped Belgian White Chocolate. This will add a lovely creamy texture and sweetness to your bars.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press down firmly with your hands or a spatula to make it compact.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the bars are golden and firm to the touch.
Once baked, allow cooling completely. Then, cut into heart shapes to serve.

HOW TO SERVE Heart-shaped breakfast oat bar

These oat bars are delicious served at room temperature or slightly warm. You can enjoy them as is or pair them with yogurt for an additional layer of flavor. They are great for a breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or even a sweet treat after a simple dinner. For an even more delightful experience, serve them with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Heart-shaped breakfast oat bar

You can store these oat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These heart-shaped oat bars can be served in various ways. Here are a few suggestions:

Pair with a cup of yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
Serve with fresh berries or banana slices on the side.
Drizzle with extra honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking for a fragrant spice flavor.

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize these oat bars to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:

Swap out the dried mango for dried apricots, cranberries, or raisins.
Use different nuts like walnuts, pecans, or cashews.
Replace coconut oil with almond oil or olive oil for a different flavor.
Add in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to change the taste profile.
Make them vegan by using maple syrup, coconut oil, and dairy-free chocolate.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of porridge oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Porridge oats give a chewier texture, while quick oats will make the bars softer.
Can I replace the maple syrup with sugar?
You can, but using liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup keeps the bars moist. If using sugar, consider adding a little water or milk to keep the mixture from being too dry.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
You can use any neutral oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or even butter if you prefer.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown on the edges and firm to the touch. If they are still soft in the middle, they may need a few more minutes.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Heart-shaped breakfast oat bar

To make your morning smoother, you can prepare these oat bars in advance. Bake them the night before and store them in an airtight container once they have cooled. If you want to get a head start on the morning, consider mixing the dry ingredients the night before and storing them in a bowl. In the morning, just add the wet ingredients and bake! This way, you reduce prep time and can enjoy a delicious heart-shaped breakfast oat bar even on a busy day.

Heart-shaped breakfast oat bars are a simple yet delightful recipe. Their taste, texture, and nutrition make them a favorite for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy making them and share the love through this delicious treat!

Heart-Shaped Breakfast Oat Bars

These heart-shaped breakfast oat bars combine wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits, making for a nutritious and enjoyable way to start your morning.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 8 bars

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Bars

125 g porridge oats
30 g almonds, flaked or roughly chopped
20 g desiccated coconut
40 g dried mango, diced into cubes
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp sea salt flakes
50 g maple syrup or use honey if preferred
50 g coconut oil
50 g golden caster sugar
25 g Belgian White Chocolate, chopped

Method

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your baking dish with a little oil to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, mix the porridge oats, flaked almonds, desiccated coconut, diced dried mango, ground ginger, and sea salt. Make sure everything is combined well.
In another bowl, combine the maple syrup, coconut oil, and golden caster sugar. Stir until the mixture is well mixed and smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is fully combined and evenly coated.
Gently fold in the chopped Belgian White Chocolate.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press down firmly with your hands or a spatula to make it compact.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the bars are golden and firm to the touch.
Once baked, allow cooling completely. Then, cut into heart shapes to serve.

Notes

These oat bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm, with yogurt or fresh fruit.