These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for a fast breakfast or a cozy dessert! The warm, fragrant blend of cinnamon and apple creates a taste of autumn in every bite. A few simple ingredients and roughly half an hour is all it takes for warm, delicious bars that your family will adore.
My kids absolutely gobble these up – they’re sweet, satisfying, and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, applesauce, and almond butter. They’re also incredibly versatile! Enjoy a bar warm from the oven, or pack it in a lunchbox for a quick, healthy snack. They are especially tasty with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!
Fan-Favorite Reasons
These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars have quickly become a favorite in my household, and for good reason!
- Simple & Quick: Seriously, these take about 10 minutes to prep. Perfect for busy mornings or when that dessert craving hits.
- Wholesome & Delicious: The combination of oats, applesauce, and almond butter makes these bars a treat you can feel good about enjoying. The bars are soft and chewy, with a balance of sweet and spice.
- Versatile: Enjoy them warm, cold, for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack. They’re great any time of day!
- Kid-Approved: My kids request these all the time, and I’m happy to oblige! They’re fantastic for lunchboxes too.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 9 bars
Description
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon in these easy-to-make oatmeal bars. Perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even a simple dessert, these wholesome bars are both delicious and satisfying. They’re quick to prepare, kid-approved, and wonderfully versatile.
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened is best)
- ⅓ cup almond butter (or other nut butter)
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or any milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey or agave)
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 ¼ cups oat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chopped apples (I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Make the flax egg: Whisk together flaxseed meal and water. Set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Combine rolled oats, oat flour, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Combine the wet ingredients: Combine applesauce, almond butter, flax egg, almond milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in ⅔ cup chopped apples.
- Pour batter into the pan, top with remaining apples, and bake for 25 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
These bars are naturally sweetened and offer a good source of fiber from oats. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your dietary needs and preferences. For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or allspice. If you prefer a crispier bar, bake for a few extra minutes. Watch closely to avoid over-browning.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make these delicious Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars:
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened is best)
- ⅓ cup almond butter (or other nut butter)
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or any milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey or agave)
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 ¼ cups oat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chopped apples (I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars later.
Step 2: Make the Flax Egg
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Set aside for at least 5 minutes to thicken into a “gel.” This acts as a binding agent in place of a regular egg.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 ¼ cups of oat flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of applesauce, ⅓ cup of almond butter, the prepared flax egg, 2 tablespoons of almond milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ cup of maple syrup. Mix everything until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 6: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in ⅔ cup of the chopped apples into the batter. Save the remaining ⅓ cup for topping the bars.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of chopped apples over the top.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares or bars and enjoy!
Don’t worry if they’re a little gooey- that’s a sign of their delicious moisture!
Test-Kitchen Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you achieve oatmeal bar perfection:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients.
- If you don’t have oat flour, you can make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor until they become a fine powder. Check our guide on making oat flour if you need help.
- To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the batter.
- For chewier bars, slightly underbake them. For crispier bars, bake for a few extra minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Flavor Twists
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas for delicious variations:
- Cranberry Orange: Substitute cranberries for the apples, add the zest of one orange to the batter, and use orange juice instead of almond milk.
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter: Use peanut butter instead of almond butter and add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap the applesauce for pumpkin puree, and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and ½ teaspoon of ginger to the dry ingredients. You could try our Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal recipe for a cozy fall breakfast.
- Maple Pecan: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the batter and drizzle with extra maple syrup after baking.
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Yes, any nut or seed butter will work! Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are all great options.
Can I make these vegan?
This recipe is already vegan if you ensure your maple syrup doesn’t contain honey and use a plant-based milk like almond milk!
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour. Always double-check your labels to be safe.
How do I store these bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Make It a Meal
Here’s how to turn these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars into a satisfying breakfast or snack:
- Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Pair with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas. Berries are especially delicious if you heat them up with some apple cider.
- Enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea. They’re fantastic with Chai lattes. Check out our list of best easy breakfast ideas.
- Pack in a lunchbox with some nuts and seeds for a balanced and energizing snack.
That’s a Wrap
These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars are such a delightful treat any time of the day. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a simple dessert, the flavors and ease make them a winner. And with so many variations, you can customize them to suit your taste. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these delicious and healthy bars! Be sure to share your creations with me on social media—I can’t wait to see what you create!
Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration! Be sure to tag us on Instagram and Facebook with photos of your delicious creations, too! Do you love desserts? Our dessert recipes offer numerous options, from classic cookies to decadent cakes.
