Recipes with oats are a healthy choice and satisfying snack because they’re packed of protein and fibre to keep you full. In this collection of dietitian-approved snack recipes with oats you’ll find lots of easy oat bars ideas, muffins with rolled oats, wholesome cookies, and crunchy homemade granola. Each recipes uses simple ingredients that pack in terrific flavor and nutrition benefits.
Honestly, what can't oats do? Never have I ever met an ingredient so versatile. Let's dig into the oat facts and snack recipes!
Health benefits of eating oats
Yes, oats are super good for you! As a nutrition professional, I'm all about an easy, healthy breakfast situation. I like to pair oatmeal with a source of protein and fat like eggs or nut butter to help balance blood sugar and provide staying power!
Oats are...
- a complex carbohydrate packed with filling fiber and energizing B vitamins
- packed with micronutrients like manganese (190% of daily value in ½ cup), iron (20%), phosphorus (41%), magnesium (34%) and zinc (20%)
- associated with prevention of heart disease, digestive disease and diabetes
- packed with beta-glucan soluble fiber which improves the diversity of the gut, aids in constipation, and increases satiety
- associated with lowering LDL and total cholesterol
- packed with 6g plant protein in ½ cup
- a good source of disease-fighting phenolic compounds
Different types of oats
There are three main varieties of oats you find in stores, which all come from the oat groat. Harvesting oats involves removing the inedible outer hull. What's left is the oat groat!
Each type is further processed to make it cook faster. While oats don't vary in their nutrition profile, instant oats are digested more quickly and therefore have a higher glycemic index and impact on blood sugar than rolled or steel cut.
- Oat groats are the whole oat kernel with the hull removed.
- Steel cut (or Irish) oats are the oat groats chopped into pieces using steel blades. They take the longest to cook and have a chewy, dense texture. They take longer to digest and may keep you fuller longer. This type is great for breakfast in overnight steel cut oats but not ideal for cookies, bars and muffins.
- Rolled (or old-fashioned) oats have been steamed and flattened into flake-like pieces. These are ideal for muffins, cookies, granola, and grinding into oat flour.
- Quick oats are steamed for even longer to absorb more liquid and reduce cooking times. They work well in some muffin and cookie recipes.
- Instant oats are further steamed for the shortest cooking times. They're the thinnest and most processed oat variety. Lots of instant oats come in microwave-ready packets with flavors and sugars added.
Are whole grain oats gluten free?
Oats are naturally 100% whole grain. While oats don't inherently contain gluten, they're often cross-contaminated with gluten and therefore are not certified gluten free.
If you have Celiac or a gluten intolerance, consider using certified gluten free oats.
Time for the recipes!
Peach Almond Baked Oatmeal (Filling!)
Studded with ripe, juicy peaches and a kiss of almond, this Peach Baked Oatmeal is our go-to summer breakfast! Made with almond butter and hemp seeds, this one has the protein and healthy fats covered.
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Soft-baked, hearty Banana Breakfast Cookies made in under 25 minutes with easy ingredients like bananas, oats, peanut butter, and coconut. Kids love these, and parents love that they're packed with whole grains, fiber and protein!
10-Minute No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies (high-protein!)
No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies are the best easy snack or dessert! Made with pantry staples like oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup--no eggs, milk, or butter. Whip up a batch in under 10 minutes for a healthy treat kids and adults alike will love! Vegan and gluten free, plus over 4g protein each.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups
These easy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups with chocolate are the perfect healthy breakfast or whole grain snack on the go! Low in sugar and packed with 6g protein each.
Nourishing Lemon Poppyseed Bread (with Greek yogurt!)
Gorgeous Healthy Lemon Poppyseed Bread made with almond and oat flour, fresh lemon, Greek yogurt, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup for a supremely moist loaf. Since perfecting this recipe, we can't stop making it!
Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Snack Bars
These 100% whole grain Blueberry Oatmeal Snack Bars make the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Vegan and gluten-free!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bites
These amazing Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bites are a healthy, satisfying snack that doubles as a dessert packed with whole grain goodness and plenty of chocolate!
Crispy High Protein Oatmeal Waffles
Fluffy, moist, and filling waffles packed with 15g protein each thanks to whole food ingredients like cottage cheese, eggs, and oats! No protein powder required.
Easiest Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (1 Bowl!)
Super easy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars made in 1 bowl with pantry staples! With no oil, eggs, or refined sugar, these make the perfect healthy breakfast on the go.
Banana Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Cups
Lightly sweetened whole-grain Baked Oatmeal Cups with banana and zucchini make the perfect healthy breakfast or afternoon snack on-the-go!
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
Easy, moist Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal studded with walnuts and topped with healthy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast but good enough for dessert!
Healthy Chocolate Banana Muffins (no added sugar!)
Healthy Chocolate Banana Muffins sweetened with dates and banana for a tasty, satisfying snack with no added sugar! Free of eggs, dairy, and gluten.
Cookie Dough Protein Bars
The best homemade Cookie Dough Protein Bars packed with cookie flavor! Made with whole grain oat flour, cashew butter, and vanilla plant protein with a silky smooth chocolate coating.
The Best Gluten Free Banana Bread
My favorite healthy banana bread that happens to be gluten free! Super moist, lightly sweetened, and easily made in one bowl. Your new go-to recipe! Check out the recipe notes for a vegan option.
Fluffy Banana Chickpea Muffins (kid-friendly!)
Fluffy Banana Chickpea Muffins that are super moist, flourless and protein-packed! A fun kid-friendly healthy snack that's low in sugar and gluten free.
Easy Greek Yogurt Oatmeal (with strawberries and chocolate!)
Bring fun back to breakfast by combining the best of both worlds, oatmeal and Greek yogurt! This crave-worthy bowl checks all the flavor and texture boxes with juicy fresh strawberries, creamy peanut butter, and dark chocolate.
Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
The easiest recipe for Healthy Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with 7 ingredients and no added sugar. These have a soft, cakey texture. Vegan and gluten free!
Creamy Cherry Pie Smoothie (no banana!)
Oh so refreshing and creamy Cherry Smoothie made in the blender with frozen sweet cherries, oats, almond butter, and a kiss of almond extract. This quick recipe is satisfying when you want something different for breakfast!
Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins
Easy Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins are a tasty, healthy on-the-go breakfast! Made with oats, applesauce, peanut butter, maple syrup and cinnamon. Make a batch for busy mornings!
Healthy Morning Glory Muffins
Made with almond and oat flour and packed with fresh orange juice, banana, carrots, these super moist Healthy Morning Glory Muffins are an amazing snack or breakfast! Vegan and gluten free.
Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread (gluten free!)
Deliciously moist and rich Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread! This easy gluten-free and dairy free treat made with almond and oat flour will become your new favorite snack or breakfast.
Healthy Sweet Potato Muffins (no added sugar!)
Incredible Healthy Sweet Potato Muffins with no added sugar made in 1 bowl! Fluffy, moist, and irresistible. Gluten free and toddler approved!
Ultimate Gluten Free Banana Muffins
Super moist and tasty Healthy Banana Muffins with walnuts that happen to be gluten free! Lightly sweetened with maple syrup, these muffins are the ultimate easy snack.
No Bake Pumpkin Cookies (kid-friendly!)
Easy healthy No Bake Pumpkin Cookies made with oats, nut butter, maple syrup and spices. No bake and kid-friendly for snacking all week long!
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Thick, melt-in-your-mouth Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies packed with all the goods! Sweet, salty, soft, and chewy. The perfect cookie!
Banana Protein Bars
Easy homemade Banana Protein Bars naturally sweetened with banana make the perfect nourishing snack to fuel you all all week!
Vegan Raspberry Oatmeal Bars (Kid-Friendly!)
These Vegan Raspberry Oatmeal Bars are packed with whole grains, raspberries, and chia seeds for the perfect healthy snack or treat! Gluten-free and kid-friendly.
Tart Cherry Orange Bread
Amazing gluten free Cherry Orange Bread bursting with bright citrus flavor! Naturally sweetened, made with wholesome ingredients and perfect with coffee.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Thick, chewy and soft Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies loaded with amazing almond flavor and oatmeal for an irresistible treat!
Baby Banana Oat Muffins (Nut Free + Iron-Rich!)
Super moist Baby Banana Oat Muffins with no added sugar! Perfect for baby led weaning and a great source of iron for little ones. Gluten, dairy, egg, and nut free.
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups
Lightly sweetened whole-grain Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are full of flavor and make the perfect afternoon snack or easy breakfast on-the-go.
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Bake
Naturally-sweetened Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Bake! Packed with zucchini and peanut butter, it's the perfect healthy breakfast.
Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
Start your morning with easy, satisfying Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal! Lightly sweetened and studded with blueberries for a healthy breakfast of champs.
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
Easy Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal makes the best portable healthy breakfast! Made in 1 bowl, I can't get enough of this scrumptious fall baked oatmeal recipe.
Cherry Almond Granola
Snack smarter with this delicious Cherry Almond Granola! Sweetened with a touch of pure maple syrup and dried cherries, it makes the perfect healthy breakfast or snack.
No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Bars
Easy homemade Carrot Cake Protein Bars! A healthy, high-protein snack bar free of oil, flour, and refined sugar that tastes just like carrot cake. Portable, vegan, gluten free, and kid friendly.
No-Bake Matcha Protein Bars
Healthy homemade No-Bake Matcha Protein Bars made with whole grain oat flour and cashew butter plus a smooth chocolate topping. Vegan + gluten-free!
No-Bake Chocolate Almond Butter Oatmeal Bars
Delicious and easy No-Bake Chocolate Almond Butter Oatmeal Bars perfect for snacking or an afternoon treat! (Prep time does not include freezing time.)
No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Delicious No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars packed with nourishing ingredients like dates, flax, chia seeds, and rolled oats. An easy, filling snack great for on-the-go! Vegan and gluten free.
Saguren Redyrs says
The oatmeal fig bars look like a real treat, simply because I haven't had figs in a while and I like to make sure that I spoil my body with a range of good foods to increase micro nutrient diversity. The muffins will always be a regular favorite of mine.
Kori says
Long live the versatile and delicious oat!
Alexis Joseph says
Right? Such a super ingredient!