Black Pepper Oat Bars
These Black Pepper Oat Bars are a delightful twist on your classic oat bars, combining the wholesome goodness of oats with an unexpected kick from black pepper. Perfect for a quick snack on the go, they are excellent for lunchboxes or simply when you need a little energy boost during work breaks. Feel free to adjust the level of pepper to suit your taste – a little spice can go a long way in keeping your snacks interesting!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Add in the chopped dried fruits and nuts. If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips for added sweetness.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Press down firmly to ensure it holds together.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.
Nutrition
Notes
These oat bars are incredibly versatile – feel free to swap in your favorite nut butter or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
If you're looking to reduce sugar, use ripe mashed bananas in place of honey or syrup for natural sweetness.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
These bars also freeze well for up to 3 months – just wrap them individually for easy snacking whenever you need it.
If you're looking to reduce sugar, use ripe mashed bananas in place of honey or syrup for natural sweetness.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
These bars also freeze well for up to 3 months – just wrap them individually for easy snacking whenever you need it.
