Description
These Zesty Lemon Oatmeal Bites are a quick, no-bake treat bursting with bright lemon flavor and wholesome oats. Perfect for an easy snack or packed lunch addition, these bite-sized delights combine the creamy tang of lemon pudding with the hearty texture of quick oats, all held together by a buttery, sweet base. Ready in just 15 minutes, they require no oven time and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box instant lemon pudding mix (approx. 3.4 oz)
- 2 cups quick oats
Instructions
- Heat Sugar, Butter, and Milk: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, and milk. Stir constantly to ensure the butter melts evenly and the mixture heats through without burning. Bring it to a gentle boil before removing from heat.
- Add Lemon Pudding Mix and Vanilla: Once the mixture is boiling, take it off the heat and immediately stir in the instant lemon pudding mix along with the vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Incorporate Quick Oats: Add the quick oats to the mixture and stir until they are evenly coated and everything is well combined, creating a thick batter-like consistency.
- Form the Bites: Allow the mixture to cool slightly to make it easier to handle. Then, using your hands, roll the mixture into small, approximately 1-inch diameter balls.
- Set the Bites: Place the formed oatmeal bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave them at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to firm up and set properly.
- Serve or Store: Once firm, the bites are ready to serve. For longer freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container.
Notes
- Make sure to use quick oats for the best texture; old-fashioned or steel-cut oats will not bind as well.
- If the mixture is too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before shaping.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can substitute lemon pudding with another flavor of instant pudding for variety.
- For an extra zest kick, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the mixture.
