Toasted Oat and Maple Breakfast Bars with Pecans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Homemade breakfast bars featuring toasted oats, crunchy pecans, and natural maple syrup for a wholesome on-the-go snack. This american-inspired breakfast ready in about 50 minutes combines old-fashioned rolled oats, chopped pecans, maple syrup into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 8, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Spread 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats and 1 cup chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats and pecans with 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, and 2 tbsp flaxseed meal if using. Mix until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press firmly into an even layer using a spatula.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Toasted Oat and Maple Breakfast Bars with Pecans take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Toasted Oat and Maple Breakfast Bars with Pecans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Toasted Oat and Maple Breakfast Bars with Pecans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Toasted Oat and Maple Breakfast Bars with Pecans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Toasted Oat and Maple Breakfast Bars with Pecans?

American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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