Introduction
The Starbucks Oat Bar is a quintessential coffee-shop snack—chewy, satisfying, and perfectly spiced. While convenient to grab on the go, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and enjoy that fresh-baked aroma. This recipe perfectly replicates the dense, buttery texture and warm cinnamon flavor of the original, making it ideal for a hearty breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. These bars are incredibly easy to prepare and freeze beautifully, ensuring you always have a wholesome treat ready.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (180g) All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup (226g) Unsalted Butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar
- ¾ cup (165g) Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 3 cups (270g) Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned, not instant)
- 2 tablespoons Milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Step-by-step Preparation
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set this aside. Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients ensures there are no lumps and helps the baking soda distribute evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the vanilla extract and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Mix in Oats and Flour: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The mixture will be thick and crumbly. Finally, fold in the rolled oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Tip: Do not overmix once the oats are added; excessive mixing can lead to tough bars.
- Assemble and Bake: Reserve about 1 cup of the oat mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup mixture loosely over the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack—this is crucial! Cooling ensures the bars set properly and prevents them from crumbling when sliced. Once cooled (about 1-2 hours), use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and slice into 9 or 12 squares.
Nutritional Information
Based on 12 servings, each homemade oat bar contains approximately 280–300 calories. These bars are a good source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber from the rolled oats, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety. While they contain butter and sugar, making them at home allows for the substitution of healthier fats or reduced sugar content if desired.
Storage
Store leftover Starbucks Oat Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave a frozen bar for 30–60 seconds for a warm, chewy texture.
Conclusion
These homemade oat bars are the perfect companion to your morning coffee or tea. For a delightful variation, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the dough before baking. They also pair wonderfully with a light drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a dollop of yogurt for an extra luxurious breakfast treat. Enjoy the satisfying, comforting flavors right in your own kitchen!