These Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars are a tasty and wholesome way to start your day! Filled with sweet apple pieces and warm cinnamon, they make breakfast a treat.
It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but healthier! I love grabbing one on the go, and they’re great with a cup of coffee. Plus, they are super simple to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These are essential for a chewy texture. If you have quick oats, those can work too, but the texture will be softer. I prefer the rolled oats for that hearty bite.
Whole Wheat Flour: This adds fiber and nutrition. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Personally, I often mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose for balance.
Brown Sugar: This gives a rich sweetness and moisture. You can use coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option or maple sugar if you have it. I like the depth that brown sugar brings, but don’t hesitate to experiment!
Apples: Fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer great flavor and texture. If apples aren’t available, feel free to switch to unsweetened apple butter or even ripe bananas for a different twist.
How Do I Ensure My Oatmeal Bars Are Evenly Baked?
When baking these bars, it’s important to ensure they cook evenly throughout. Start by preheating your oven fully, as an uneven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Here are some tips:
- Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out so it bakes uniformly.
- Check for doneness around 25 minutes. Let them bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- If the edges are browning too fast, you can cover the pan with foil to avoid burning.
Resting the bars in the pan after baking is crucial too; this helps them set and makes slicing easier.
Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars for Breakfast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 25-30 minutes of baking. Once prepared, let the bars cool for a bit before slicing. In total, you can have delicious oatmeal bars ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine your oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir them together with a spoon until everything is well mixed.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, egg, honey (or maple syrup), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is nice and smooth. This will help sweeten and flavor your bars!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy; that’s okay! Now, fold in the chopped apple pieces. Fresh crunchy apples make this bar so delicious!
5. Spread the Batter:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to gently press the batter down for an even surface.
6. Bake the Bars:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They are ready when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once they’re baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars of your desired size.
8. Store and Enjoy:
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast or a yummy snack anytime!
FAQ for Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
You can use instant oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be softer and less chewy. For the best results, I recommend sticking with old-fashioned rolled oats for that hearty bite!
What Can I Substitute for Applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce, you can use mashed bananas or yogurt as a substitute. Each will add moisture and a touch of sweetness, but will slightly alter the flavor. I enjoy using mashed bananas for a different twist!
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze great; wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a sealed bag in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Absolutely! To make them vegan, simply replace the egg with 1/4 cup of flaxseed meal mixed with 1/4 cup of water, and ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey. They’ll still be delicious!
