Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Oatmeal Bars with Persimmon Swirl
Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, gooey dessert that fills your home with delightful spices. This holiday season or any time you’re in the mood for a nourishing treat, indulge in our Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Oatmeal Bars with Persimmon Swirl. These delectable bars not only taste heavenly, but they also offer a healthier twist to traditional sweet snacks. Bursting with the autumn flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, combined with the natural sweetness of persimmons, this recipe will surely impress family and friends alike.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a unique dessert, these baked oatmeal bars are versatile, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. So, tie on your apron and let’s get started on creating this delightful treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you dive into the baking process, gather the following ingredients:
For the Oatmeal Base:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Persimmon Swirl:
- 2 ripe persimmons, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Dried fruits (raisins or cranberries)
- Additional persimmon slices for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients handy, it’s time to create your cinnamon-spiced masterpiece.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the Persimmon Swirl
- In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped persimmons, maple syrup, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon.
- Blend until smooth. You can leave it slightly chunky for added texture if you prefer.
- Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Mix the Oatmeal Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, milk, egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Assemble the Bars
- Spread half of the oatmeal mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the persimmon swirl over the oatmeal base, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining oatmeal mixture.
- Use a knife or spatula to create a gentle swirl pattern, mixing a little of the persimmon into the oats.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, cut your baked oatmeal bars into squares or rectangles. You can serve them as is or enhance them further:
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup or honey for added sweetness.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch.
- Pair with yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch in advance and enjoy them at your convenience. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to indulge.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Oatmeal Bars with Persimmon Swirl are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall flavors while being nutritious. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, these bars are versatile and easy to make, making them a staple in your recipe collection. The combination of warm spices and fruity persimmon creates a mouthwatering experience that will keep you coming back for more. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and enjoy a slice of this scrumptious goodness today!