These baked peach oatmeal bars are a wholesome and satisfying snack that’s quick to make and perfect for busy days.
Packed with fiber-rich oats and naturally sweet peaches, they offer a soft, chewy texture without excess sugar.
With healthy fats from butter and optional honey for added sweetness, they’re ideal for meal prep or a guilt-free treat anytime.
Soft-Baked Peach Oatmeal Bars
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 spoon (for initial mixing)
- Hands (for thorough mixing)
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Ingredients
- ½ stick 50g butter, softened
- ¾ cup 95g all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup 120g oats, quick or old-fashioned
- ½ cup 100g demerara sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons honey optional
- 1 can 13.5oz / 398ml peaches, drained
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to Perfection: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your bars will cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown top. Allow the oven to fully reach the temperature before placing your baking pan inside, as starting with a cold oven can affect the texture and cooking time.
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment extends slightly over the edges; this will make removing the bars much easier once baked. Lightly grease the parchment with a small dab of butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (120g) oats, ½ cup (100g) demerara sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir these ingredients together with a spoon until they are evenly mixed. This step ensures that every bite of your bars has a consistent flavor and texture.
- Add Softened Butter: Take ½ stick (50g) of butter, softened to room temperature, and cut it into small pieces. Add the butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour and oats until the mixture becomes crumbly and slightly sticky. This step helps create a tender, chewy texture in the finished bars.
- Incorporate Optional Honey: If you prefer a touch of natural sweetness, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix it gently into the crumbly mixture using a spoon or your hands. Honey adds moisture and a subtle floral sweetness that complements the peaches beautifully.
- Prepare Peaches: Drain 1 can (13.5oz / 398ml) of peaches, removing any syrup or juice. Chop the peaches into smaller chunks if desired, for easier distribution throughout the bars. Gently fold the peaches into the oat mixture, making sure they are evenly incorporated without breaking them down too much. This preserves the soft, juicy pockets of peach in each bite.
- Mix Thoroughly by Hand: Once all ingredients are in the bowl, use your hands to knead and press the mixture together. This ensures that no dry flour remains and the butter and honey are fully combined. The mixture should hold together slightly when pressed but still feel soft and pliable.
- Transfer to Pan and Press Evenly: Spoon the mixture into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, press the mixture evenly across the pan, filling all corners and smoothing the top. Even pressing ensures consistent baking and a uniform bar thickness.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Check the bars starting at 30 minutes; they are ready when the edges and top begin to turn golden brown. The center may still feel slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars tender and chewy.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.Cooling is crucial for clean slices; warm bars may crumble or fall apart. For extra firm bars, you can refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
- Slice Into Perfect Bars: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into 8 equal-sized bars using a sharp knife.For uniform pieces, wipe the knife clean between cuts.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy your soft, chewy peach oatmeal bars immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months, making them an easy grab-and-go snack.
Notes
- Use either quick or old-fashioned oats; both work well, but old-fashioned oats give a chewier texture.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for proper mixing and texture.
- Draining peaches thoroughly prevents the bars from becoming soggy.
- Optional honey adds natural sweetness, but you can omit it for a lower-sugar version.
- Bars will firm up when chilled; leave them soft if you prefer a tender, cake-like texture.
- Pressing the mixture evenly into the pan ensures uniform baking and consistent bar thickness.
- Cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Bars
The key to achieving soft, chewy peach oatmeal bars lies in the combination and handling of ingredients.
Softened butter, rather than melted, helps create a tender crumb while still holding the bars together.
Mixing by hand ensures all dry ingredients are fully incorporated, preventing dry pockets of flour.
Gently folding in the peaches preserves their shape and prevents them from turning into a puree.
Finally, keeping an eye on the baking time is crucial—overbaking will make the bars dry, while underbaking may leave them too soft in the center.
Creative Serving Suggestions Ideas
These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways.
Serve them as a quick breakfast with a dollop of Greek yogurt or alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack.
For a fun twist, drizzle with a little melted dark chocolate or sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit, such as berries or banana slices, and can be crumbled over yogurt or smoothie bowls for added texture and sweetness.
Smart Storage Tips For Freshness
To maintain the perfect texture, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
If you prefer firmer bars, refrigerate for up to a week—the cool temperature helps them hold their shape.
For longer storage, wrap each bar individually and freeze for up to two months.
When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a soft, chewy treat.
Proper storage ensures the flavor and texture remain consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes! Peel, pit, and chop ripe peaches before gently folding them into the mixture. Slightly cooking fresh peaches beforehand can reduce excess moisture.
2. Are these bars gluten-free?
Not as written. To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Replace butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a natural sweetener like maple syrup instead of honey.
4. How can I make these bars more protein-rich?
Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or include nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds. These additions increase protein and provide extra texture.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger 9×13 inch baking pan. Adjust the baking time slightly—start checking at 35 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.
