Soft-Baked Peach Oatmeal Bars
These baked peach oatmeal bars are soft, chewy, and naturally sweet. Made with simple ingredients like oats, peaches, and a touch of honey, they’re a wholesome snack or quick breakfast option. Ready in under an hour, they’re fiber-rich, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep or on-the-go snacking.
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 spoon (for initial mixing)
- Hands (for thorough mixing)
- 8x8 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 8x8 inch (20x20 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 8x8 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.
