Oats are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked goods. From breakfast bars to cookies and cakes, oats can add texture and flavor to your favorite treats.
Why Bake With Oats?
There are several reasons why you should consider baking with oats. First, oats add texture and flavor to your baked goods. The grain’s chewy texture can enhance the mouthfeel of your treats, while its nutty flavor can add depth and complexity to the taste.
Second, oats are a healthy ingredient that can add nutrition to your baked goods. The grain is high in fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to any recipe. Finally, oats are affordable and readily available, making them an accessible ingredient for any home baker.
Classic Oatmeal Cookies
Classic oatmeal cookies are a favorite among many due to their chewy texture and nutty flavor. To make these cookies, you’ll need rolled oats, flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.
Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl, cream the butter and sugar in another bowl, and then combine the two mixtures. Add the eggs and mix until smooth, then stir in the rolled oats. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Maple Oat Scones
Maple oat scones are a delicious breakfast treat that can be enjoyed with coffee or tea. To make these scones, you’ll need flour, oats, butter, sugar, baking powder, and maple syrup.
Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the maple syrup and mix until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and cut it into triangles, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Blueberry Oat Bars
Blueberry oat bars are a healthy and delicious snack that can be enjoyed anytime. To make these bars, you’ll need rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, butter, and fresh or frozen blueberries.
Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of the mixture into a baking dish, then sprinkle the blueberries on top. Add the remaining oat mixture and bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
Oatmeal Banana Bread
Oatmeal banana bread is a tasty and healthy twist on classic banana bread. To make this bread, you’ll need rolled oats, flour, bananas, sugar, and eggs. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl, then add mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Savory Oat Crackers
Savory oat crackers are a delicious snack that’s perfect for cheese boards or dips. To make these crackers, you’ll need rolled oats, flour, butter, and spices. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl, then add the butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add water and mix until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and cut it into crackers, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Chocolate Chip Oat Muffins
Chocolate chip oat muffins are a decadent treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. To make these muffins, you’ll need rolled oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, and chocolate chips.
Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl, then add milk, oil, and eggs, and mix until smooth. Stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips, then pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars
Apple cinnamon oatmeal bars are a healthy and delicious snack that’s perfect for on-the-go. To make these bars, you’ll need rolled oats, flour, applesauce, cinnamon, and honey.
Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl, then add the applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Press the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites
Oatmeal raisin energy bites are a healthy and delicious snack that’s perfect for pre or post-workout. To make these bites, you’ll need rolled oats, raisins, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, then roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a delicious treat that’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions. To make these cookies, you’ll need rolled oats, flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and chocolate chips. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl, then add the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips, then drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
FAQs
Oats themselves are gluten-free, but they are often processed in facilities that also process wheat, which can lead to cross-contamination. Look for certified gluten-free oats if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity.
Oats can be substituted for flour in some recipes, but it’s important to note that oats don’t have the same binding properties as flour, so you may need to add an additional binding agent like eggs or a flax egg.
Instant oats are more processed and finer than rolled oats, which can affect the texture of baked goods. It’s best to use rolled oats in baking recipes for optimal results.
Oats are a great ingredient for baking because they are high in fiber and protein, and have a low glycemic index. They also contain vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium, making them a nutritious addition to baked goods.
Conclusion
Oats are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked goods. From classic oatmeal cookies to savory oat crackers, there are countless ways to incorporate this healthy grain into your baking routine.
With the recipes and tips provided in this article, you can start experimenting with oats in your favorite treats and enjoy their nutty flavor and chewy texture.
