Chewy Poppy Seed Breakfast Bars with Nuts & Seeds

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These wholesome breakfast bars are packed with oats, nuts, and seeds for a satisfying start to your day. They're naturally sweet, portable, and perfect for meal prep.

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Ingredients

Makes 12 bars

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1/3 cup poppy seeds

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

• 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup raisins (or chopped dried fruit)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)

• 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 egg, beaten

Optional Add-ins:

• Zest of 1 lemon (pairs beautifully with poppy seeds)

• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.

2. Toast the oats and nuts (optional but recommended): Spread oats, nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet. Toast for 8–10 minutes, stirring once. Let cool slightly.

3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine toasted oat mixture with poppy seeds, raisins, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, and coconut (if using).

4. Prepare wet mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, melt nut butter, honey, coconut oil, and brown sugar until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool 2 minutes. Whisk in beaten egg quickly.

5. Combine: Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated and sticky.

6. Press and bake: Transfer to prepared pan and press down firmly with a spatula or damp hands. Bake 20–24 minutes until edges are golden and center is slightly soft.

7. Cool completely in the pan. For clean cuts, refrigerate 30 minutes before slicing.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for 7–10 days. Bars freeze well for up to 3 months.

Pro tip: These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!