Description
Delicious and wholesome Apple Cinnamon Oat Bars made with rolled oats, fresh diced apples, cinnamon, and natural sweeteners. These bars are perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast on the go, baked to golden perfection with a perfectly balanced blend of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss well to evenly coat the apples with the cinnamon and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract to create a smooth wet mixture.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir gently until fully incorporated. Then fold in the cinnamon-coated diced apples, distributing them evenly through the mixture.
- Transfer to Pan & Bake: Pour the complete mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or your hands to compact the bars. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then cut into 16 bars and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This cooling step helps the bars hold together better.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan version if desired.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats.
- For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars are great for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
