Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

   

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)

   

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/3 cup brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana (for moisture)

• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, seeds, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it.

2. Mix dry ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together honey/maple syrup, brown sugar (if using), applesauce/banana, melted coconut oil/butter, egg, and vanilla.

4. Combine:
   Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Fold in your chosen mix-ins.

5. Bake:
   Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and set in the Baked Oat Barsmiddle.

6. Cool & slice:
   Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Tips:

• Use rolled oats, not instant, for better texture.

• Swap applesauce for mashed banana for different flavor.

• Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth.

• For vegan, replace egg with flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).