These oat bars are soft, chewy, and rich, with the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. They’re made with real ingredients and no unnecessary additives. You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins or enjoy them just as they are—pure oat goodness. Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or sharing with friends and family, these bars are a reliable and comforting treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
old-fashioned rolled oats brown sugar butter honey or maple syrup vanilla extract salt
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and honey (or maple syrup), stirring until smooth and just bubbling.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
In a large bowl, mix the oats with any optional add-ins if using.
Pour the warm butter mixture over the oats and stir until fully coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden around the edges.
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 9–12 bars. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Cooling time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Variations
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over the top once cooled.
Nutty: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for crunch.
Fruit-Filled: Mix in dried fruit like raisins, apricots, or cranberries.
Spiced: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist.
Vegan: Use plant-based butter and maple syrup instead of honey.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
Reheating: These bars don’t need reheating, but you can warm them in the microwave for a softer texture.
FAQs
Are these oat bars similar to granola bars?
Yes, but they’re softer and chewier with a richer, buttery flavor compared to crunchy granola bars.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.
What kind of honey should I use?
Any mild honey works well. Maple syrup is a great alternative for a slightly different flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the brown sugar, but keep in mind that it affects the bar’s texture and chewiness.
Do these bars hold their shape well?
Yes, as long as they cool completely before cutting, they’ll hold their shape nicely.
Can I make them nut-free?
Absolutely—just skip any nut add-ins and double-check your other ingredients for allergens.
How do I get clean slices?
Let the bars cool fully, then use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
Are these good for kids?
Yes, they’re kid-friendly and make great lunchbox or after-school snacks.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for a few extra minutes if needed.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats to make them fully gluten-free.
Conclusion
Starbucks Oat Bars are a soft, chewy, and delicious homemade treat that’s as comforting as the coffee shop original. With minimal ingredients and plenty of room for customization, they’re an easy, satisfying snack that fits into any part of your day. Whether you enjoy them with coffee, pack them for school, or keep them on hand for busy mornings, these bars are sure to become a household favorite.
Starbucks Oat Bars are soft, chewy snack bars made with wholesome oats, butter, and a hint of sweetness. This homemade version of the coffee shop favorite is easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and customizable with your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
Optional add-ins:
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp flaxseeds
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar, and honey (or maple syrup), stirring until smooth and bubbling.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats and any optional add-ins.
Pour the warm butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9–12 bars.
Notes
Let bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean edges and firm texture.Use maple syrup and plant-based butter to make them vegan.Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or chopped nuts for flavor and crunch variations.Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan if serving a crowd.
