Oatmeal bites are one of my favourite make-ahead snacks, and I almost always have a batch stocked in my freezer. I first started making them as a quick snack to keep at work, as a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought granola bars.
I also prefer cooked oat bites to no-bake options as I personally find them easier on my stomach, which matters a lot to me since I'm prone to acid reflux and have a sensitive tummy. These bites provide a good source of fibre rich carbs (combined with a bit of protein and healthy fats), which is a great combo for keeping energy and blood sugar stable. A couple bites can also work as a quick grab-and-go breakfast - pair them with some yogurt or a glass of milk!
This simple recipe uses pantry staples and comes together in just a few minutes. Oats are high in soluble fibre (the cholesterol-lowering kind), and these bites are a great options if you're not a big fan of oatmeal.
I love making these with wild frozen blueberries or chocolate chips, but they're really flexible. Toss in your favourite nuts, seeds or dried fruit to make them your own. They freeze beautifully too. Pack one in your bag straight from the freezer and it will thaw by the time you're ready for a snack, or give it a quick zap in the microwave if you want it sooner. Read on for the full recipe and my best tips!
Homemade oat bites are fully of heart healthy fibre, healthy fats energizing complex carbohydrates
Ingredients:
3 cup large flake rolled oats
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup milk (cow's milk or plant based)
1/2 C peanut butter
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 C frozen wild blueberries (can also be substituted for 1/2 C of chocolate chips)
Optional nuts/seeds
You can adapt the above to your taste as well - if you want it a bit sweeter, you can add more maple syrup or more chocolate chips.
Instructions:
This recipe makes about 18 oatmeal bites.
Pre-heat the oven to 350 °F.
Mix the dry ingredients (oats, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, chia seeds) together first, then add the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract). Mix very well to ensure ingredients are incorporated.
Fold in the wild blueberries or chocolate chips last.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spoon out each oat bite using an ice cream scoop or large spoon.
Bake at 350 °F for 22 minutes.
Note on baking time: You may need less time if not at elevation (things take a bit longer here in Calgary to bake). They are done when a toothpick inserted in them comes out clean.
Tips:
Once cooled, store in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze for longer storage.
Wild blueberries work better than regular blueberries as the small size is easier to mix in and allows the bites to stay more packed together.
These oatmeal bites are great for:
Quick breakfasts - grab a couple and pair with some yogurt or a glass of high protein milk for a balanced breakfast
Lunch box snacks (can substitute peanut butter for soy butter to make them school allergy friendly)
After-school bites
Road trips or hikes
Post-workout snacks
A sweet bite after dinner
This Easy Oatmeal Bites Recipe is also practical because it scales well. Double the batch and freeze half for later.
You can also use this recipe as a base and try other flavour variations like apple/cinnamon, coconut-cranberry or banana chocolate chip!
Did you try this recipe? Let me know how you like them in the comments below!
About The Author
I'm Anna Maria Campbell, a registered dietitian and nutritionist (RD, MHSc, CDE), and I offer personalized nutrition counselling to help you improve your health and feel your best. Whether you're managing diabetes, dealing with digestive issues, working on your cholesterol, or supporting your liver health, we'll build a plan that fits your life—not the other way around.