Oatmeal Bars with Dried Mango: A Healthy, Energizing Snack

When it comes to nutritious and delicious snacks, homemade oatmeal bars are a top choice. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, they are the perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings or mid-afternoon energy boosts. Oatmeal Bars with Dried Mango are a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic oatmeal bar, adding the tropical sweetness of dried mango to the mix.

These bars are not only simple to make, but they are also incredibly versatile, customizable with a variety of mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. The combination of oats and dried mango creates a satisfying chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness, making them perfect for both kids and adults alike. With the natural flavors of oats and mango and a touch of honey, these bars are a much healthier alternative to store-bought granola bars, which are often loaded with preservatives and artificial sweeteners.

In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to make these delicious Oatmeal Bars with Dried Mango. Whether you're looking for a healthy snack to keep on hand or a nutritious breakfast, these bars will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Oatmeal Bars with Dried Mango, gather the following ingredients:

For the Oatmeal Bars:

• 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best)
• 1/2 cup dried mango, chopped into small pieces
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (for added moisture)
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chia seeds (optional, for added fiber and omega-3s)
• 1/4 cup walnuts or almonds, chopped (optional, for added crunch)

These simple ingredients create a wholesome base for the bars. The oats provide fiber, while the dried mango adds natural sweetness and a tropical flavor. The almond butter and applesauce keep the bars moist and chewy, making them satisfying without being overly sweet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish (preferably an 8x8-inch square dish) with parchment paper, or grease it lightly with a bit of oil to ensure that the bars come out easily once baked.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the honey, almond butter, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until smooth. The almond butter and honey should be well incorporated, creating a creamy, cohesive mixture.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, dried mango, cinnamon, salt, and chia seeds (if using). Make sure the oats are evenly distributed, and the mango pieces are spread throughout the mixture. If you’re adding chopped nuts, include them in the dry ingredients as well.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is fully combined. The mixture will be slightly thick and sticky, but it should come together into a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency.

5. Press the Mixture into the Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture down evenly into the dish, ensuring that it is spread into the corners and the top is smooth. The mixture should be compact to help the bars hold together when baked.

6. Bake the Oatmeal Bars

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be firm and set, but still slightly soft in the middle. They will firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the oatmeal bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After that, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.

Tips for Perfecting Your Oatmeal Bars with Dried Mango

• Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to customize these oatmeal bars by adding extra mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. The possibilities are endless!
• Use Ripe Mangoes: If you prefer, you can dry your own mangoes or use freeze-dried mango for a more intense mango flavor. Be sure to chop the mango into small pieces to ensure it mixes evenly throughout the bars.
• Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also experiment with other natural sweeteners like agave syrup or coconut sugar.
• Make it Vegan: For a fully vegan version, simply substitute the almond butter with peanut butter and use maple syrup instead of honey. Make sure to use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk as well.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: To make these oatmeal bars gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats in place of regular oats.

Variations to Try

1. Tropical Oatmeal Bars: Add a combination of dried fruits like pineapple, papaya, or coconut flakes for a tropical twist on the classic oatmeal bars.
2. Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Bars: For a cozy, spiced version, use raisins instead of dried mango and add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm flavor.
3. Chocolate Mango Oatmeal Bars: Stir in a handful of dark chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for a sweet and decadent touch that pairs wonderfully with the tropical mango flavor.
4. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars: Replace the mango with diced dried apples and add a bit more cinnamon for a fall-inspired twist on the bars.

Health Benefits of Oatmeal Bars with Dried Mango

These oatmeal bars are not only delicious but also offer several health benefits:

1. Rich in Fiber: Oats and dried mango are both excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer.
2. Healthy Fats: Almond butter and chia seeds provide healthy fats, which are essential for heart health and brain function.
3. Packed with Vitamins: Mango is rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health and promotes healthy skin. Oats also provide important minerals such as iron and magnesium.
4. Natural Sweetness: The sweetness from the dried mango and honey is all-natural, meaning you won’t be consuming artificial sugars or preservatives.
5. Energy Boosting: Oats, along with the combination of nuts and dried fruit, provide a slow-release source of energy that can help fuel you throughout the day.

Conclusion

Oatmeal Bars with Dried Mango are the perfect combination of sweetness, crunch, and nutritional value. These homemade bars make a healthy, convenient snack that’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a post-workout treat, these oatmeal bars are sure to keep you satisfied and energized.

By following the simple steps and tips in this recipe, you can create delicious, wholesome oatmeal bars that are completely customizable to suit your preferences. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy a batch of these tropical, nutrient-packed bars today!