Discover the delightful combination of wholesome ingredients in our "Easy California Prune Oatmeal Squares" recipe! These scrumptious squares are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrition, making them the perfect snack or breakfast option for any time of the day. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen in under 40 minutes, you’ll be tempted to indulge in these chewy, fruity bites. Ready to elevate your snacking game? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 squares
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup California prunes, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the squares later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the dry ingredients. This will help to prevent the oats and flour from clumping together.
- Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined. It should resemble coarse crumbs.
- Add 1 cup of chopped California prunes to the mixture. Stir gently to distribute the prunes evenly throughout the crumb mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of milk with the crumb mixture. Stir until just combined, ensuring not to overmix. The batter should be moist but not overly wet.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan. Press down gently to pack it in.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the oatmeal squares to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the squares have cooled, cut them into 16 equal pieces. Serve them as a nutritious snack or breakfast option.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pan: For the best results, use a 9x9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of the squares and keeps them from sticking.
- Cool the Butter: Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This prevents the oats and flour from clumping together, resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the milk with the crumb mixture, stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense squares, so keep it light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the squares, and perform the toothpick test to ensure they are perfectly baked.
- Store Wisely: To keep your oatmeal squares fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them and enjoy whenever you like!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
