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We find cooking to not only be tasty, but also therapeutic and anxiety-reducing. If you are currently at home, this healthy oatmeal breakfast bar recipe is a great way to easily and quickly throw together pantry items. We’re a huge fan of these healthy baked oatmeal bars since they are not only quick and easy to make, but they pack a healthy dose of protein from the added collagen peptides.

These chewy oatmeal bars are also incredibly versatile—we used cranberries and almonds to make this recipe—but you could switch out the ingredients for whatever you have on hand or if you prefer a different variation of dried fruit or nut.

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What are the benefits of almond butter?

Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, which have been known to reduce “bad” cholesterol (that is your LDL cholesterol) and increase your “good” cholesterol, also known as your HDL. Almonds are also high in fiber, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids. Combined with high amounts of Vitamin B6, as well as zinc, almonds can be powerful antioxidants in the body and for the brain.

These high levels of vitamins and nutrients can have other effects as well. With high amounts of fiber, almonds can be a satisfying and satiating snack between meals. The fiber leaves you feeling fuller, longer, and with a low glycemic index, you will not have the insulin spike of more traditional sugar-heavy snacks.

Can you make your own almond butter?

Yes! Making your own almond butter can be incredibly easy, as long as you have the right equipment! A strong food processor is necessary to ensure that you are able to grind the almonds into butter.

How to Make Your Own Almond Butter

Start by toasting your own almonds in the oven until they are warmed thoroughly (approximately) 10 minutes.
*Note: While this step isn’t necessary, warm almonds will grind easier and save you time (and your food processor the energy) as you grind.
Add the almonds into the food processor.
Blend! (The almonds will stick to the sides, so make sure to scrape while you continue to blend.)

That’s it! From there, you can customize your almond butter to your liking. For a slightly more “fluid” almond butter, you could add a small amount of oil during the grinding process. This can also make it blend together a bit more quickly.

If you want to customize your almond butter, you can add honey, cinnamon, sugar, salt, or even cacao for a chocolate spread.

Is almond butter better than peanut butter?

On the surface, nut butters are fairly similar in their nutritional values. Calorically, each serving has approximately the same amount. They also have very similar levels of macronutrients, with minor discrepancies in protein, fat, and carbohydrate values.

However, almond butter contains double the amount of fiber that peanut butter does and contains less sugar. While similar in fat content, almond butter does have a higher amount of monounsaturated fats (healthy fats that can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease). Peanut butter has almost double the saturated fat of almond butter per serving. Saturated fats have been linked to an increase in bad cholesterol by raising LDLs in the blood.

When it comes to vitamins and minerals, almond butter also comes out in front, containing higher levels of vitamin E, calcium, and iron.

What is the best nut butter?

With more choices than ever for nut butters—cashew, pistachio, walnut, to name a few—it may be hard to select just which one to choose. Almond butter is often touted as the “healthiest” of the nut butters, but that may depend on the nutrient profile that you are wanting to select. Walnut butter contains the highest levels of omega-3s, while peanut butter contains the highest amount of protein. When selecting a pre-made nut butter, the most important factor is choosing a butter that does not contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, or added sodium or sugar.

Everything You Need to Make Baked Almond Butter Oatmeal Bars

Oats. The basis of our recipe!
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. A flavorless way to add added protein.
Justin’s Maple Almond Butter. One of our favorite brands for quality nut butter.
Shredded Coconut. For just a bit of added sweetness.
Dried Cherries. The perfect dried fruit for a bit of sweet and tangy.
Dried Cranberries. Another dried berry that adds sweetness and chewiness to this breakfast bar.
Sliced Almonds. For added crunch!
Honey. A sweet way to hold these bars together.
Butter. Another ingredient that helps combine these breakfast bars and adds a bit of fat.
Maple Syrup. Sweetness without artificial sweeteners.
Vanilla Extract. For just a bit of taste and aroma.
Cinnamon. A spice that is not only flavorful, but good for you, too!
Salt. Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Swap almond butter for your favorite nut butter. If you are allergic to almonds, or prefer a different nut, you can easily switch to the nut butter of your choice.

Change your mix-in ingredients. For this recipe, we decided to add dried cranberries and cherries. If there is another dried fruit you like better, add it!

How to Make Healthy Baked Almond Butter Oatmeal Bars

Get the oven ready. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13x9 baking pan with parchment paper and grease.
Heat up the wet ingredients. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine almond butter, honey, maple syrup, butter and vanilla extract, whisking occasionally. Continue cooking until butter melts and mixture is smooth, approximately 6-8 minutes.
Combine the dry ingredients. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine dry ingredients: oats, Vital Proteins collagen peptides, shredded coconut, dried cherries, cranberries, sliced almonds, cinnamon and salt. Mix together thoroughly.
Add in the sweet mixture. Remove almond butter mixture from heat and slowly mix into oats. If desired, add additional dried fruits or nuts. Continue mixing until oat mixture is throughly coated.
Add the oats to the baking pan. Pour mixture into the baking pan, pressing evenly.
Set into the oven. Place oats in oven for 15 minutes or until lightly brown. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Variations to Try

Make it Vegetarian. Since collagen peptides are made from animal products, substitute the collagen peptides for a protein powder of your choice or leave it out entirely.

Make it Vegan. Just as in the vegetarian option, remove the collagen peptides and substitute for a plant-based protein option to remove entirely. Substitute the honey for agave nectar and butter for coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio, respectively.

Try a Vanilla or Chocolate Option. Since we are usually protein in the form of the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, you could easily substitute for a vanilla or chocolate collagen peptides to give a bit of flavor to your breakfast bars. Optionally, for a chocolate option, add 1-2 tablespoons of cacao powder to the mixture to give it an extra chocolatey taste.

Baked Almond Butter Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

What are the benefits of almond butter?