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.
I have enough raspberries in the freezer to feed a small village.
Raspberry jam. Raspberry pancakes. Raspberry smoothies. Raspberry ravioli. I'VE DONE IT ALL. Oh and obviously putting them all over my Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal!
Last weekend I was perusing the blog for a work week snack and stumbled upon my beloved Strawberry Oatmeal Bars and Blueberry Oatmeal Bars. I messed with the jam a bit, added a splash of almond extract, subbed raspberries for bloobs, and voila! The newest version of nomtastical fruit bars were birthed.
I chowed down on three bars plus thirty seven million crumbs the day I made them. The boyf proceeded to take three a day in his lil' lunch box and before we knew it, they ceased to exist.
Do you know what that meeeeeeeans?
"Hey, boo? Would you mind not taking raspberry bars in your lunch today cuz like, I've only had three and they're almost extinct." INSERT TEAR DROP EMOJI HERE.
How to Make
First, we're making a super simple homemade raspberry jam (you could use store-bought if you fancy). Then we make a divine oat crumble for the bottom and top layers. Easy peasy!
I'm a big fan of buying oat flour for convenience factor but you can certainly make your own by grinding old-fashioned oats in the blender.
Oh and the almond extract! Don't you forget it. I wrote "optional" because I don't want you to not make them if you're only missing that one ingredient butttttttt I'm team almond all day err' day so I highly recommend you use it.
I use this Frontier almond flavor which is actually a bit lighter in taste, so I'd even bump it up to a teaspoon if you're using that brand. Living on the edge here!!
Are Oats Gluten Free?
Oats do not contain gluten. This gets confusing because they are often processed in facilities that do process grains with gluten, which means risking cross-contamination.
If you are avoiding gluten for personal or health reasons, be on the lookout for steel cut oats that indicate they’re certified gluten-free on the label.
Can I Use Another Fruit Besides Raspberry?
Yes! This blueberry version and apple version are both insanely tasty. If you have a handy bag of frozen mixed berries, those would be fab, too!
This fruity oatmeal bar recipe has a) breakfast potential, b) snack potential, c) dessert potential, d) all off the above. D!!! I loved these warmed in the microwave with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What a dream!
If you loved this vegan raspberry oatmeal bar recipe, give it a thumbs up by leaving a 5-star rating and/or comment!
CRAVING MORE OATMEAL GOODNESS? DON’T MISS MY OTHER GO-TO OATMEAL RECIPES:
- Apple Oatmeal Bars
- Salted Chocolate Covered Oatmeal Bites
- Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal Bars
- Banana Zucchini Oatmeal Cups
All I want to know is why raspberry isn't spelled "razberry" and why blueberry isn't spelled "bluepberry."
Print
Vegan Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These raspberry oatmeal bars are packed with whole grains for the perfect healthy snack or treat! Vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
For the raspberry chia jam:
- 2 cups frozen raspberries
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
For the bars:
- 1 cup oat flour (GF if necessary, can sub all purpose flour)
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats (GF if necessary)
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F. Grease an 8x8in baking dish with coconut oil or cooking spray.
- Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add raspberries, chia seeds and maple syrup. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring often. Use a potato masher to smash berries for the "jam" layer. Set aside to cool (I usually put it in the fridge).
- Combine oats, oat flour, sugar, cinnamon salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Add applesauce, maple syrup and coconut oil, vanilla, and almond extract, stirring to combine.
- Set aside a heaping half cup of the oat mixture and then spoon the rest evenly into the prepared pan. Top with raspberry chia jam, spreading evenly with a spoon or spatula. Drop the rest of the oat mixture on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into 12 bars.
Notes
STORAGE: Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze bars for up to 3 months.
Allison K says
These were so delicious! Used all kitchen staples except for the raspberries. Made these primarily for my picky toddlers so I focused on reducing the sweetness and sugar. For the jam, I skipped the maple syrup, just using fruit and chia seeds. For the topping, I halved the coconut sugar. Both picky toddlers loved them and I did too. They didn’t last long!
Alexis Joseph says
So smart, I'm totally gonna make them that way! Thanks, Allison!
Rachel says
These were easy to make and DELICIOUS!! Toddler approved ! This will be a staple for us!
Alexis Joseph says
YAYYYY thank you, Rachel! You're the best!
Ains says
haven't made these yet, recipe looks good tho! just wanted to say the writing style of this recipe/blog was such a delight.
Alexis Joseph says
Awww yay, thank you!
Michelle says
Had some frozen raspberries and a hankering for some squares. Most recipes call for raspberry jam so right off the bat this recipe spoke to me. Wow! My only change was to add some chopped walnuts to the topping. These are fantastic!!!! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Alexis Joseph says
Awww I'm so glad! Be sure to check out the blueberry version, too!
Elena says
I have made this recipe countless times and with multiple fruit and berry toppings. I substitute more apple sauce for coconut oil and the recipe becomes oil free! These bars are absolutely delicious and could be eaten for breakfast too 🙂
Alexis Joseph says
Love that! Thanks a ton for letting me know, Elena! I hear thy're great with leftover cranberry sauce, too 🙂
Lisa says
Love this! Have made several times.
Today I subbed fresh cranberry sauce for most of the raspberries (added 1/4 cup)
And used mashed sweet potatoes thinned with a little water for the applesauce (I was out but had leftover sweet potatoes). Can’t wait to try this version when it comes out of the oven
Alexis Joseph says
OMG that is a genius idea!! It's like Thanksgiving dessert bars! Let me know how they turn out 🙂
Kat says
This is my go to summer dessert. So easy and tasty. I also use the jam filling by itself of toast and it is perfect.
Alexis Joseph says
Hahah loooove that idea! Thanks, Kat!
Anna says
This raspberry oatmeal bar is incredible. I subbed mixed berries because that was what I had on hand, and used regular all purpose flour instead of oat flour, and they still turned out absolutely delicious! I cannot recommend this recipe enough!
Alexis Joseph says
I'm so glad! Thank you for letting me know, Anna!
Kara Brown says
Our family devoured these! So yummy, thanks!
Alexis Joseph says
I need to make another batch. Thanks, Kara!
Stefanie L Campos says
Oh yeah! Awesome! Always looking for easy and low sugar. I only added 2 Stevia packets( I was out of maple) in the jam. Left out all other sugar. And damn that was so good! I usually let my kids have the 2nds Bhutto less sugar means more for me. Yum,Yum! Great job on the recipe. Thank you for your dedication.
Alexis says
Glad you enjoyed them with the modifications!
granny says
This looks amazing! I will definately give it a try!
I hope I will manage as I am not a great cook!
Lindsay says
Can I use a a banana instead of the applesauce?
Alexis says
Hmmm I've never tried it so I can't guarantee the results. Let me know if it works out!
Leslie says
Can these be made with dark chocolate ?
Alexis Joseph says
These don't call for chocolate but you can add chocolate chips if that's what you mean?
banazer noor says
love all recipes good job.
Liv says
Hey! Love these! I subbed equal parts of almond butter + 1 tsp coconut water for the applesauce, and used canola oil (gasp!!) instead of coconut oil, since I didn’t have any on hand. Instead of the sugar, I added 1/3 cup pitted and chopped dates, and I subbed equal amounts of extra oats instead of flour. Instead of making my own jam, I combined fresh strawberry jam that I made with strawberries from the Farmer’s Market and of course, the chia seeds. Despite all these swaps, they turned out GREAT!! Thanks for the recipe— you’re awesome ?. P.S. I love your chatty, fun personality that shines in through your refreshing writing,
—Olivia Fuchs
Tera says
Can this be made with fresh berries? Wondering if it would change the recipe...
Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
I love your blueberry version of these bars, so you know I'll be making these!! <3
Courtney Glausi says
Can't wait to make these! I'm sure I'll have to hide these from the husband... wish me luck.
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
i can't even believe these are vegan & gluten-free, that's insane!! and aside from the frozen raspberries, i think i literally have all of these ingredients in my house rn. cannot wait to make these!!!
Whitney says
I may have to make strawberry version since i have a tons of them in my freezer!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
i love oatmeal baked bars...i make a similar one with dates but im loving your version - so much prettier!
priya says
fruit/oat bars like this are my fav. these look SOO good & easy <3
Alexis says
Agreed. I just can't get enough!
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
Ohh these look PERFECT, especially considering I have frozen raspberries that need to be used up!
Alexis says
LOVE when the universe works out like that 🙂
Alexis says
Now there's a meal!
Sam @ Hygge Wellness says
These look amazing! The perfect spring treat! Thanks so much for sharing / creating!
Alexis says
I am so loving all of the spring berries! Happy May, Sam 🙂
Juliette | Namastay Traveling says
Ah I love oatmeal bars! They're the best because you can eat them any day and they are perfect for a meal..or a snack..or dessert! Win win win!
Alexis says
OR all three at the same time? 🙂
Carrie this fit chick says
Oh, YES! I've been craving more berry flavors as we enter the summer time. These would go down a treat with my family! Nothing like pure maple syrup, too!
Alexis says
In love with summer berry season!