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Camping Foods to Make Ahead: Easy and Delicious Meal Prep Ideas

These no-bake oat bars are a quick and nutritious snack or breakfast option. Made with rolled oats, nut butter, and customizable mix-ins like chocolate chips and dried fruits, they are easy to prepare and perfect for on-the-go eating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups of rolled oats
  • 1 cup of almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
  • 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup of peanut butter (or any nut butter)
  • 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/2 cup of dried fruits (like cranberries or raisins)
  • 1/2 cup of nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir them together until they are well mixed.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk, honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a fork to blend these ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry oat mixture. Stir well until all the oats are coated and the mixture is evenly combined. Ensure there are no dry patches of oats left.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips, dried fruits, and nuts. Feel free to substitute or add any of your favorite mix-ins.
  5. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb some moisture.
  6. Prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
  7. Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press the mixture down firmly and evenly with a spatula or your hands.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or nuts on top for decoration.
  9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the mixture sit for another 5-10 minutes while the oven heats.
  10. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the edges are slightly golden brown and the center feels firm to the touch.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Lift the parchment paper to remove the bars and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Once cool, cut the bars into squares or rectangles (about 12 bars).
  13. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. For extended storage, wrap each bar individually and freeze.

Notes

  • Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew butter.
  • For a protein boost, add a scoop of protein powder to the wet mixture.
  • For a tropical twist, substitute chocolate chips and nuts with shredded coconut and dried pineapple.
  • To make vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.