Coconut Cinnamon Breakfast Bars with Customizable Mix-Ins

These tender, chewy breakfast bars combine rolled oats, coconut flakes, and warming cinnamon in a naturally sweetened base. Flax eggs and coconut oil create the perfect binding texture, while nut butter adds richness and protein. The beauty lies in their versatility - fold in your favorite chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to create endless flavor combinations. Perfect for meal prep, these bars offer a wholesome grab-and-go breakfast option that satisfies both kids and adults. The coconut sugar provides gentle sweetness without overwhelming the nutty, toasted flavors.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup gluten-free rolled oats
- ¼ cup gluten free oat flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, whisked with 6 tablespoons water, set for 15 minuteschia seeds1:1vegan
Creates similar binding effect
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup natural unsalted nut butter
- 2 tablespoons natural unsalted nut butter
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅝ cup add-ins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or chopped fruit
- 1 tablespoons add-ins, for topping(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and line baking pan with parchment paper or greased foil
- 2
Whisk together all dry ingredients in a large bowl
- 3
Whisk together all wet ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth
- 4
Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and fold together until well combined
- 5
Fold in add-ins and transfer to prepared baking pan
- 6
Spread into an even, tightly packed layer and optionally press toppings into dough
- 7
Bake until set and golden
- 8
Cool completely on a cooling rack before lifting out and slicing into bars
Tips
Make flax eggs first and let sit for 15 minutes to properly gel before using in the recipe.
Pack the mixture tightly into the pan to ensure bars hold together well when sliced.
Cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and achieve clean slices.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered at room temperature.
Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip cooling completely to avoid crumbly bars that fall apart when sliced.
Pack mixture firmly into pan to prevent bars from being too crumbly.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these bars oil-free?
Yes, replace melted coconut oil with additional nut butter or applesauce, though texture will be slightly different.
How long do these bars keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week for best quality.
Can I freeze these breakfast bars?
Yes, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.