Honey Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

1. Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish (8x8 inches or similar size) with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
• In a large bowl, mix together the oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
• In another bowl, whisk together the honey, melted coconut oil (or butter), eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
• Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well incorporated.
5. Assemble the Bars:
• Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
6. Add Filling:
• Spread the fruit preserves or jam evenly over the oat base.
7. Top with Remaining Oat Mixture:
• Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the fruit layer, gently pressing it down with your hands or the back of a spoon.
8. Bake:
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
9. Cool and Cut:
• Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
• Place the bars on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
• Enjoy the Honey Oatmeal Breakfast Bars as a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
These homemade bars are a great way to enjoy the goodness of oats and honey in a convenient and tasty format. They're perfect for busy mornings or as a wholesome snack on the go.