Coconut Cinnamon Breakfast Bars with Customizable Mix-Ins

Prep: 15 minCook: 20 min16 servingsmediumAmerican
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

16 servings
  • ¾ cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • ¼ cup gluten free oat flour
    almond flour1:1grain-free

    Changes texture slightly

    Full guide →
  • 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 minutes
    chia seeds1:1vegan

    Creates similar binding effect

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
    vegetable oil1:1neutral

    Any neutral oil works

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup natural unsalted nut butter
    seed butter1:1nut-free

    Use sunflower or pumpkin seed butter

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons natural unsalted nut butter
    seed butter1:1nut-free

    Use sunflower or pumpkin seed butter

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup coconut sugar
    brown sugar1:1conventional

    Regular brown sugar works fine

    Full guide →
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • cup add-ins, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or chopped fruit
  • 1 tablespoons add-ins, for topping(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and line baking pan with parchment paper or greased foil

  2. 2

    Whisk together all dry ingredients in a large bowl

  3. 3

    Whisk together all wet ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth

  4. 4

    Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and fold together until well combined

  5. 5

    Fold in add-ins and transfer to prepared baking pan

  6. 6

    Spread into an even, tightly packed layer and optionally press toppings into dough

  7. 7

    Bake until set and golden

  8. 8

    Cool completely on a cooling rack before lifting out and slicing into bars

Tips

Tip 1

Make flax eggs first and let sit for 15 minutes to properly gel before using in the recipe.

Tip 2

Pack the mixture tightly into the pan to ensure bars hold together well when sliced.

Tip 3

Cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and achieve clean slices.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered at room temperature.

Serve With

Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip cooling completely to avoid crumbly bars that fall apart when sliced.

Watch

Pack mixture firmly into pan to prevent bars from being too crumbly.

Substitutions

Vegan Options

ground flaxseed
chia seeds1:1vegan

Creates similar binding effect

Full guide →

Nut-Free Alternatives

nut butter
seed butter1:1nut-free

Use sunflower or pumpkin seed butter

Full guide →

General Alternatives

coconut oil
vegetable oil1:1neutral

Any neutral oil works

Full guide →
coconut sugar
brown sugar1:1conventional

Regular brown sugar works fine

Full guide →
oat flour
almond flour1:1grain-free

Changes texture slightly

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

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.