Easy-Bake Oven Oatmeal Fruit Bars: A Tasty and Healthy Snack for Kids!
Oatmeal Fruit Bars are a delightful and healthier option for young bakers, combining the natural sweetness of applesauce and the wholesomeness of oats. This recipe is specially designed to be made in an Easy-Bake Oven, perfect for budding chefs to practice their baking skills.
Here, we provide instructions for both the classic Easy-Bake Oven (light bulb model) and the modern Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven (electric model).
Why Oatmeal Fruit Bars?
Oatmeal bars make a nutritious, energy-boosting snack filled with fiber from oats and natural sweetness from applesauce or marmalade. These bars are simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients, and they’re a fun treat that kids can proudly share with family and friends.
How to Make Our Oatmeal Fruit Bars Easy Bake Oven Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon shortening or softened butter
- 6 teaspoons brown sugar
- Dash of salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons quick-cooking oats
- 2 teaspoons applesauce or marmalade (for the filling)
Note: This recipe makes enough for 2 pans, so you’ll get double the fun with each batch!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
- Cream Together Shortening and Sugar: In a small mixing bowl, use a spoon to blend the shortening (or butter), brown sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and oats, mixing well until fully incorporated.
- Add the Milk: Pour in the milk and stir until the mixture forms a soft dough that can be easily pressed into the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
- Grease the Easy-Bake Oven Pan: Lightly grease your Easy-Bake Oven pan with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Divide the Dough: Separate the dough into two equal portions, setting one aside for the second layer.
Step 3: Assemble the Oatmeal Fruit Bars
- Press Down the First Layer: Take one portion of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the greased pan, using your fingertips or the back of a spoon.
- Add the Filling: Spread the applesauce or marmalade over the pressed dough, creating a thin layer that covers the entire surface.
- Top with the Remaining Dough: Gently press the second portion of dough on top of the filling, covering it completely.
Baking Instructions
For Classic Easy-Bake Oven (Light Bulb Model)
- Preheat the Oven: Turn on your Easy-Bake Oven and let it warm up for about 10-15 minutes.
- Bake Time: Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The edges should start to turn golden, indicating that the bars are ready.
- Cool Before Cutting: Carefully remove the pan using the Easy-Bake tool and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the bars set and makes them easier to slice.
For Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven (Electric Model)
- Preheat the Ultimate Oven: Plug in your Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven and let it preheat for approximately 20 minutes.
- Bake Time: Place the pan into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool Before Cutting: Remove the pan carefully and let it cool for 10 minutes. The bars will firm up as they cool, making them easy to cut into neat slices.
Serving Suggestions
Once the bars have cooled, slice them into small squares or rectangles for a perfect snack-sized treat. They make a great after-school snack or a healthy addition to lunchboxes. Enjoy them on their own or with a glass of milk for an extra tasty snack!
Tips and Variations
- Customize the Filling: Try different flavors for the filling, like strawberry preserves, peach jam, or even a spoonful of mashed banana for a fruity twist.
- Make It Chewier: Add a little extra applesauce to the filling layer if you like your bars chewier and softer.
- Add a Dash of Cinnamon: For extra flavor, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon into the dough. This will give the bars a cozy, warm flavor.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Advanced Young Bakers
This recipe teaches kids some essential baking skills, such as creaming butter and sugar, layering dough, and working with fillings. These skills will help them build confidence and expand their baking knowledge in a fun, hands-on way.
Fun Facts About Oatmeal Bars
- History of Oats: Oats have been enjoyed for thousands of years as a hearty grain, originally used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
- Fiber Power: Oats are packed with fiber, which is great for keeping you full and energized throughout the day.
- Kid-Friendly: Granola and oatmeal bars became popular in the 1970s as health-focused snacks, and they’ve been a staple ever since!
Conclusion
These Easy-Bake Oatmeal Fruit Bars are a delicious and fun snack that kids can easily make on their own (with a little supervision, of course!). Whether you’re using the classic or Ultimate Easy-Bake Oven, this recipe is sure to be a hit with its wholesome ingredients and simple assembly. Happy baking, young chefs!
