Homemade cinnamon and cardamom oat bars can be a healthier alternative to store-bought, mystery-packed snacks. Learn how to make some with this easy recipe.
If you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-make snack far removed from the usual cookies or sandwiches, you’ll love herbed oat bars. Cinnamon and cardamom-infused oat bars are delightful pick-me-ups, perfect for any time of the day.
They make for a quick breakfast as well as a satisfying afternoon snack, since they’re so quick to spruce up. Want to give them a shot? This easy cinnamon and cardamom oat bars recipe will guide you.
Why Make Cinnamon And Cardamom Oat Bars?
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You know the daily struggle of wanting a snack that’s both good for you and tastes amazing. I’ve been there, and those store-bought options are often a letdown when you’re keen on healthy eating. But here’s a game-changer: homemade herbed cinnamon and cardamom oat bars.
Why should you whip up a batch? Well, after trying them once, I loved the tangy flavor of cinnamon and cardamom herbs, plus the rustic touch of chia seeds and almonds.
It also goes without saying that these bars are a healthier alternative to those mystery-packed snacks from the store.
These homemade treats are nothing out of the ordinary, just down-to-earth ingredients, no additives, and honest-to-goodness whole grains that are kind to your body. The rolling oats, in particular, provide a dose of fiber that’ll keep your digestive system happy.
But there’s also the creativity bit, the ability to play with different wholesome ingredients and transform them into something that’s uniquely yours.
You’ll love that power just as your family will love the outcome. If still in doubt, here’s what you get from snacking on these herbal treats.
- Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Studies show they can stabilize blood sugar, support digestive health, and reduce cholesterol levels.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can regulate blood sugar, reduce the risk of heart conditions, and improve cognitive function.
- Cardamom: Like cinnamon, cardamom is a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory compounds. It’s a natural remedy for digestive issues, can help with blood pressure, and is good for respiratory health.
- Organic Dates: A natural sweetener, dates are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Besides aiding digestion, they’ll do your bones some good and add to your sustained energy.
- Almonds: Almonds contain healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc, manganese. According to Medical News Today, consuming almonds can greatly support your heart health, help you manage weight, and make your skin healthier.
- Chia Seeds: A natural antioxidant, chia seeds are rich in calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, good for digestion and respiratory health.
- Almond butter: Almond butter is a nutritious spread rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
How to Bake Rolled Oat Bars Infused With Cinnamon and Cardamom
Well, now that it’s clear what goodness you’re adding to your body, let’s learn how to make some cinnamon and cardamom oat bars.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 cup organic dates (pitted and chopped)
1/2 cup almonds (chopped)
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey (optional for added sweetness)
Instructions for Making Oat Bars
A step-by-step process is much easier to follow. So here it goes:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A square baking pan measuring 8×8 inches or 20 x 20 cm will fit your oat bars nicely. Grease it with butter or olive oil. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper if you want an easy time removing your herbed oat bars.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
To mix the dry ingredients evenly, you need a larger bowl. Ensure it’s ample enough to accommodate the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and cardamom powders. These spices elevate the flavor of the humble oats, so you want to ensure they’re evenly mixed.
Step 3: Blend Dates and Almond Butter
The dates will be more flavourful and easier to work with if blended. Grab your food mixer and add the organic dates and almond butter. If you want to add a little sweetness, this is the best stage to add honey. Blend everything until you create a sticky, uniform paste.
Step 4: Mix Everything
Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture in the large bowl to create a sticky mixture. Ensure it holds together.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Chia Seeds and Chopped Almonds
Chia seeds add nutritional value, while almonds provide a satisfying crunch. Add these to your bowl of mixed ingredients and stir thoroughly until finely mixed.
Step 6: Press Into the Pan
Gently transfer the mixture into your greased or lined pan. You can use a spatula to get it firmly and evenly pressed.
Step 7: Bake Your Herbed Oat Bars
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for less than an hour. 20-25 minutes is enough, or they should be ready when the edges turn golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Resist the urge to take a bite and let the bars cool down in the pan. 10-15 minutes should be enough before you cut them into your desired bar-sized pieces. A sharp knife will get the shapes out nicely without breakages.
Step 9: Enjoy and Store
Once your bars have cooled completely, feel free to indulge. On storage, an airtight container is great, especially if you want to keep them for a few days. Just ensure they’re stored at room temperature, or you can refrigerate them to increase their shelf life.
And there you have it. You’ve just made yourself a batch of nutrient-packed delicious batches of oat bars perfect for breakfast or snacking. And all in less than an hour using a healthy choice of oats, spices, nuts, and seeds. Want to know how best to serve your organically baked oat bars? We got you.
Top 9 Foods To Serve With Your Cinnamon and Cardamom Infused Oat Bars
Cinnamon and cardamom oat bars are such versatile snacks you can serve and enjoy them with various accompaniments ranging from fruits to salads, smoothies, and even herbal lattes.
You can serve them as snacks or a fully satisfying meal. Short on ideas? Here’s some inspiration on the top foods to eat with your herbed oat bars.
- Yogurt
A thick, creamy beverage like Greek or organic yogurt can make a delicious accompaniment for your oat bars. The rich taste of yogurt and the calming taste of herbs and spices makes it even yummier.
- Fresh Fruit
Think of pairing your oat bars with fresh fruits consisting of berries, apple slices, and bananas. The fresh, sweet taste of fruits goes nicely with the herbed crunchy bars.
- Nut Butter
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Nuts are nutritious as they are delicious. In this case, you can’t go wrong with almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter spread for extra creaminess and protein.
- Cheese
Cheese is a versatile accompaniment and can be paired with various dishes, whether snacks or main meal. For your oat bars, a small serving of cheese, like a mild cheddar or creamy brie, can create a delightful contrast in flavors.
- Tea or Coffee
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Enjoy your oat bars with hot herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee if you love a comforting and warming beverage pairing.
- Smoothie
Make a nutritious herbal smoothie with ingredients like spinach, banana, almond milk, and a dash of cinnamon or cardamom, and your smoothie with your oat bars.
- Sliced Avocado
Avocados can be a fruit, a sandwich, or a vegetable salad, depending on how creative you feel at a given time. You can serve it with oat bars; just sprinkle salt and pepper on the slices and enjoy.
- Chia Pudding
Prepare a simple chia pudding by mixing chia seeds with your choice of milk and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup and serve it alongside the oat bars. Plant-based milk, like almond milk, is a healthier choice.
- Fruit Compote
Create a homemade fruit compote by simmering berries or sliced fruit with a touch of honey or maple syrup. Spoon the compote over the oat bars to create the perfect fruity topping.
These are just a few examples of accompaniments you can serve with herbal oat bars. Your choice depends on whether you’re serving the oat bars as a snack, breakfast, or part of a larger meal.
If you have no known allergies, you can even mix and match these ideas to suit your taste and dietary choices.
A Word On Baking Herbal Oat Bars
We live in a world where almost everything is contaminated in one way or another. We have little to no say in the stuff that goes into the food we consume or the way the food is produced.
But that doesn’t mean we cannot choose healthier dietary options for ourselves and our children. The power lies in your ability to get creative with simple natural ingredients and create something delicious and nutritious.
These ingredients are readily available in your local organic grocery store or kitchen. As for these homemade oat bars, you get a natural energy boost without sacrificing flavor.
So, go ahead and make your oat bars at home, save money, and your body will thank you.
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