Oatmeal Bar Recipe

Cook Oats

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water and 1 cup milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Add 2 cups rolled oats and 1 tsp salt to the simmering liquid. Stir to combine.

Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until oats are thick and creamy, about 6–8 minutes for rolled oats. If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness as desired.

Keep warm while preparing granola and toppings, or transfer to a warm oven (200°F / 95°C) for up to 20 minutes.

Prepare & Bake Granola

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl combine 2 cups rolled oats (granola), 1 cup slivered almonds or chopped nuts, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, and 1/4 cup shredded coconut if using. Stir to mix evenly.

In a small bowl whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp neutral oil, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth.

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until all the oat mixture is coated and slightly sticky.

Spread the granola in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, stir or flip the granola, then bake another 8–10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Watch closely near the end to prevent burning.

Remove from oven and let cool completely on the sheet — it will crisp up as it cools. Break into clusters and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Prep Fruit & Serving Components

Rinse and drain 2 cups mixed berries. Hull and slice strawberries if using. Slice 1 banana if desired. Place brown sugar in a small serving bowl for self-service.

Spoon cooked oatmeal into individual bowls (recipe yields about 3–4 bowls).

Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of homemade granola (about 1/4–1/2 cup per serving), a spoonful of packed brown sugar to taste (start with 1–2 tsp), and a handful of berries (about 1/2 cup). Add banana slices if using.

Drizzle a little milk or cream over the top if you like a looser texture, and offer honey for extra sweetness.

Serve immediately while granola is still crisp and oatmeal warm.