These blueberry banana baked oatmeal bars make a delicious vegan breakfast. Hearty oats provide a boost of plant-based energy to get your day started. With no added sugars, oils, or flour, this a wholesome, healthy treat you can feel good about.

Baked Oatmeal Bars: Easy, Vegan Meal Prep Breakfast

Breakfast can be one of the hardest meals for healthy plant-based eating. Racing out the door in the morning, it’s often easy to grab something quick and convenient. Often, this means a granola bar loaded with processed with refined sugar and syrup. Or, it might mean a fattening breakfast pastry when you stop for coffee. Or a fattening sandwich from the drive-thru.

However, baked oatmeal is one of the best breakfast recipes for weekend meal prep. I first discovered the beauty of baked oatmeal with my Banana Raisin Baked Oatmeal recipe. This recipe, though, has a sturdier, bar-like consistency, making it perfect for cutting ahead of time. It packs perfectly in lunch boxes and gym bags for busy mornings. Or warm one for a few seconds in the microwave or toaster oven for a satisfying afternoon snack.

You can make a batch of this healthy, whole foods, plant-based dish on the weekend. That way, you’re set up for success all week long.

Meal Prep this baked oatmeal on the weekend for healthy, plant-based breakfasts during the week

Other Variations of Baked Oatmeal Bars

This healthy plant-based blueberry banana oatmeal bars recipe is just the start. There is lots of room to add other flavor variations. You can swap out the blueberries for other berries – like blackberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries. Or, use other fruits based on what’s in season. Chopped peaches and plums would be delightful in the summer. Diced pears or apples would be great in the fall.

A few simple ingredients come together in this healthy baked oatmeal: oats, apples, raisins, cinnamon, applesauce, and water

Oats: Heart-Healthy Fiber, Budget-Friendly, and Naturally Gluten-Free Whole Grain

Oats make a nutritious, satisfying breakfast. Loaded with soluble fiber, they’ve been linked to lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. It’s no wonder they have a reputation for being so heart-healthy!

Plus, oats are one of the most budget-friendly grains. Even organic oats are often cheaper than other grains like quinoa and farro. Plus, they cook quickly. You can use them in recipes like this baked oatmeal. Or, try them in a stove top creamy Peach Pecan Oatmeal, as the base for Pumpkin Seed Millet Granola, or in a savory Golden Oatmeal Turmeric Bowl.

Oats are also naturally gluten-free. Therefor, they work for most people eating a gluten-free diet. However, oats are processed in facilities alongside other grains that contain wheat. Therefor, someone with Celiac Disease needs avoid cross-contamination and check for Gluten-Free Certified oats.

You’ll Love this Healthy, Plant-Based Baked Oatmeal Bars Recipe! It is:

Bursting with Blueberry Flavor!
Easy to make
Hearty and Satisfying
Loaded with Healthy Fiber and other Nutrition
Gluten-Free
Kid-Friendly
Budget-Friendly
Perfect for Weekend Meal Prep

Flax Eggs and Easy Vegan Egg Substitutes

One challenge many plant-based cooks face is substituting eggs in recipes. However, it’s incredibly easy to substitute traditional eggs. Two of my favorite vegan egg substitutions are flax eggs and egg replacement powder.

How to Replace Eggs with Plant-Based Flax Eggs

Replacing regular chicken eggs with plant-based flax eggs is quick and easy. In fact, most bags of flaxseed meal have the directions right on the back of the bag. First, make sure you are using ground flaxseed meal. Whole flaxseeds won’t work, and flaxseed oil will not work. Second, combine the ground flaxseed meal with warm water. You need 3 tablespoons of warm water (1.5 ounces) for every tablespoons of flaxseed meal (7 grams). Third, let the mixture sit for 3-5 minutes, until gooey and egg-like.

Chef Katie’s Plant-Based Flax Egg Ratio: 1:3

One tablespoons of flaxseed meal for 3 tablespoons of water.

How to Replace Eggs with Vegan Egg Replacer

Another easy way to replace eggs in your plant-based recipes with a powdered vegan egg replacer, like the Bob’s Red Mill brand. Much like a flaxmeal egg, you combine the powdered egg replacement with water, and let it sit for a few minutes to bind. I have use this technique in a myriad of recipes — from pancakes to cookies to these oatmeal bars — and the results are always consistent and delicious. Unlike a flax egg, the vegan egg replacer is white, which can help when trying to create white-colored treats like sugar cookies or fluffy pancakes.

What are the Advantages of Using Plant-Based Eggs over Traditional Eggs?

There are many advantages to using plant-based eggs over traditional chicken eggs:

Plant-based eggs are healthier: Regular chicken eggs are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. They have zero fiber. Conversely, flaxmeal eggs have zero cholesterol and are a good source of Omega-3 fats and fiber
Plant-based eggs are cheaper: Chicken eggs can range from $4-$9/dozen, with higher costs for organic and pasture-raised eggs. That’s 33-75 cents/egg. However, a bag of vegan egg replacer only costs about $5 and will make about 34 “eggs”…which is only about 15 cents/egg
Plant-based are better for the environment: The industrialized egg industry produces harmful greenhouse gasses like methane and carbon dioxide, which contribute to global warming.
Plant-Based Eggs last longer: Traditional chicken eggs will spoil after 7-10 days in your refrigerator. However, plant-based egg replacements will keep for months in your pantry.

Chef Katie’s Healthy, Plant-Based Cooking Tips for Gluten-Free Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Bars:

No Refined Sugar or Syrup? I’m on a mission to get rid of empty calories. This oatmeal don’t use any refined sugar, maple syrup, or other refined sweetener. The ripe bananas and raisins provide plenty of sweetness, along with healthy fiber and essential nutrients.

Weigh Your Ingredients: For precise measuring and consistent results, always weigh your ingredients. A small kitchen scale makes this easy to do. This will save you time and give you more delicious muffins and breads.

Gluten-Free Celiac: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are often processed in a facility near wheat. If this is a concern for you, check for “Certified Gluten-Free” Oats and Oat Flour.

Other Mix-Ins: You can swap out the raisins for other dried fruits: cherries, cranberries, and even vegan chocolate chips.