Welcome to a fresh start! After a much-needed period of rest and family focus, I’m thrilled to kick off the year with a recipe that embodies wellness and convenience: these delightful Strawberry Almond Oatmeal Bites. Perfect for bustling mornings or as a wholesome refuel for active kids (and adults!), these portable powerhouses are set to become a staple in your kitchen. This post is proudly sponsored by Fisher Nuts, a brand committed to quality and health.
Pin this irresistible Strawberry Almond Oatmeal Bites recipe for later!
Embracing a Fresh Start: Balancing Life and Healthy Eating
It’s hard to believe it’s my first post of 2017, but sometimes a pause is exactly what’s needed. January offered a valuable opportunity to regroup, refocus, and simply enjoy cooking for my family without the added pressure of capturing every moment for the camera. We navigated a challenging period with my littlest one recovering from a tonsillectomy and my husband from a shoulder/rotator cuff surgery. Through it all, the kitchen remained our heart, and I found immense joy in exploring recipes from cookbooks, friends, and even my own blog, purely for the love of creating nourishing meals.
One area I’m consistently striving to improve upon is providing healthier, readily available snacks for my children, especially given our current immersion in sports. With basketball and volleyball practices dominating our afternoons and evenings, we’re constantly on the move, shuttling between gyms. My kids seem to have an insatiable hunger, and I’ve become more conscious of what they’re reaching for. While pretzels and crackers are easy, I’m determined to offer more substantial, nutrient-dense alternatives. This commitment is deeply rooted in seeing their positive response to wholesome, homemade options.
The Power of Portable, Wholesome Snacks
The motivation to create more quality portable snacks truly stems from seeing my children consistently choose them over less healthy options. Whenever I whip up batches of treats like these Strawberry Almond Oatmeal Bites, or past favorites such as blueberry almond oatmeal bites, quinoa bites, or broccoli cheese frittata muffins, they disappear almost instantly. This clear preference fuels my dedication to making these nutritious, grab-and-go options a regular part of our routine. Providing wholesome snacks doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s about smart choices and simple preparation that supports their energy and growth.
Seasonal Delights: The Versatility of Strawberry Almond Oatmeal Bites
Here in Florida, we are joyfully immersed in strawberry season, and we’re taking full advantage of the abundance of fresh, sweet berries. These little oatmeal cups are a celebration of that seasonality. I chose a combination of chopped fresh strawberries and a touch of strawberry preserves to infuse them with vibrant fruit flavor. However, one of the best aspects of this recipe is its incredible adaptability. As seasons change, you can easily swap out strawberries for other seasonal fruits like peaches, blueberries, or even diced apples, making this a year-round favorite that never gets old.
The inclusion of Fisher Sliced Almonds is not just for an irresistible crunch; it also provides a vital boost of protein and healthy fats, contributing to sustained energy. Almonds are a nutritional powerhouse, offering fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium, making these bites not just tasty, but genuinely good for you. Fisher Nuts are a brand I trust implicitly, and for good reason:
- Quality You Can Taste: Fisher nuts are preservative-free and Non-GMO Project Verified, ensuring you’re getting pure, natural goodness in every bite.
- Heart-Healthy Certified: Fisher proudly offers nine varieties of recipe nuts that are certified as Heart Healthy by the American Heart Association. This commitment to wellness makes them an excellent choice for any health-conscious kitchen.
- Freshness Guaranteed: Their new resealable packaging is a game-changer, helping to keep nuts fresh for longer, so you always have quality ingredients on hand when inspiration strikes. Look for their updated bags on your next grocery run!
Celebrating Heart Health Month with Delicious Nutrition
As February is dedicated to “heart health” month, I’m particularly excited to share this recipe. It’s a wonderful example of how delicious food can also be incredibly beneficial for your well-being. Packed with heart-healthy ingredients like oats, almonds, and fresh fruit, these bites are a flavorful way to support cardiovascular health. Oats are known for their soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, while almonds provide monounsaturated fats, which are also good for the heart. Incorporating recipes like this into your diet is a simple yet effective step towards a healthier lifestyle.
I sincerely hope everyone’s year is off to a positive and fulfilling start. I always love hearing from you, so please feel free to check in and say hello in the comment section below. Share something good that’s going on in your life, or tell me if you’ve tried these delicious oatmeal bites. Wishing you all a fantastic week filled with good food and great company!
Print Recipe
Strawberry Almond Oatmeal Bites
Yield: 12 oatmeal bites
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries (about 4-5 strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray to ensure easy release of the bites.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: old fashioned rolled oats, flaxseed meal, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, coarse salt, and baking powder. Stir these together until well mixed.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture: almond butter, strawberry preserves, chopped fresh strawberries, pure vanilla extract, and honey.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg together with the milk until combined. Pour this wet mixture into the oat mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are completely incorporated and a uniform batter forms.
- Using a tablespoon or a small scoop, fill each muffin cup approximately three-quarters full, ensuring the batter is divided evenly among all 12 cups. Gently press down on the batter in each cup to create a compact bite before baking.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully run a knife around the perimeter of each oatmeal bite to loosen it before gently turning the pan over to release them. Serve immediately while warm, or allow them to cool completely and serve at room temperature. Store any leftover Strawberry Almond Oatmeal Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Recipe Notes: For this particular recipe, I used unsweetened shredded coconut to balance the sweetness from the preserves and honey. However, if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, feel free to use sweetened shredded coconut. Both options work beautifully and contribute to the wonderful texture of these bites.
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It is truly an honor to be collaborating with Fisher Nuts for our fourth year. Throughout the year, I will continue to share exciting and wholesome recipes featuring various varieties of Fisher Nuts. Your support for the brands that help sustain Aggie’s Kitchen is deeply appreciated!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Fisher nuts. All opinions and text are my own, reflecting my genuine experience and appreciation for their products.