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Low-Fat Oatmeal Bars: A Guilt-Free Treat

The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg swirling through the kitchen always takes me back to crisp autumn afternoons spent at my grandmother’s house. She always seemed to have a batch of something baking, and these low-fat oatmeal bars were a particular favorite. They weren’t overly sweet, but they had that comforting, hearty quality that only a good oatmeal treat can provide. Even better, I knew I could sneak an extra one without feeling too guilty!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 32
Dietary Type: Suitable for low-fat diets

Ingredients

2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup applesauce
1 cup Splenda sugar substitute
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup walnuts or 1/2 cup raisins

Equipment Needed

9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
Thoroughly spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent the bars from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Make sure you get into all the corners.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the wet ingredients, including the eggs, vanilla, shortening, and applesauce. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated. The applesauce adds moisture and helps to keep the bars lower in fat.
In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, Splenda sugar substitute, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which leads to a more consistent rise and flavor.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring thoroughly until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough bars. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky.
Gently fold in the oatmeal and either the walnuts or raisins (or a combination of both!) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan and spread it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking for doneness at 15 minutes. Ovens can vary, so keep a close eye on them.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This prevents them from crumbling and makes them easier to handle.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify more easily with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter.
Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices! A pinch of ground ginger or cloves can add a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutty Boost: Toast the walnuts or pecans lightly before adding them to the batter. This brings out their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
Sugar Substitute Note: Using Splenda helps to reduce the overall sugar content. However, be mindful that sugar substitutes can sometimes have a slightly different texture than regular sugar. If you prefer, you can substitute part of the Splenda with regular sugar, but this will increase the sugar content of the bars.
Applesauce Substitute: If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can use mashed banana as a substitute. This will add a slightly different flavor, but it works well and adds extra moisture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These oatmeal bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They make a great snack, breakfast treat, or even a light dessert.

Serving: Cut the cooled bars into squares and arrange them on a platter. A dusting of powdered sugar is optional but adds a nice touch.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen bars, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Note: The following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	98 kcal	5%
Calories from Fat	36 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	4 g	6%
Saturated Fat	0.8 g	4%
Cholesterol	13.2 mg	4%
Sodium	83.8 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	13.9 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	0.8 g	3%
Sugars	6.8 g	N/A
Protein	1.9 g	3%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or guar gum for binding.
Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Use a vegan shortening.
Fruit Variations: Experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots.
Nut Butter: Add a few tablespoons of peanut butter or almond butter to the wet ingredients for a richer flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Stir in a 1/2 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips for a touch of chocolate indulgence.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: While you can substitute quick oats, the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a heartier, chewier texture, whereas quick oats will result in a softer bar.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar further?
A: You can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to the texture and moistness of the bars. Reducing it too much might result in a drier bar.

Q: How do I prevent the bars from being too crumbly?
A: Ensure you don’t overbake the bars. They should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. Letting them cool completely in the pan also helps them to set properly.

Q: Can I add other nuts besides walnuts?
A: Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts would be delicious additions.

Q: What if I don’t have Splenda?
A: You can use another granulated sugar substitute of your choice, or replace it with regular sugar. Be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as some sugar substitutes are sweeter than others. Keep in mind that using regular sugar will change the nutritional profile of the bars.

Final Thoughts

These low-fat oatmeal bars are a testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy a healthier treat. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a simple dessert, these bars are sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, preheat that oven and whip up a batch! I’d love to hear your variations and feedback in the comments below. Enjoy them with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for the perfect pairing.

Low Fat Oatmeal Bars Recipe