These apple oatmeal bars are one of my favorite healthy on-the-go breakfasts. They’re soft, hearty, with a warm, baked-apple flavor.
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Amy’s Notes
I make these Apple Oatmeal Bars whenever I want a healthy, wholesome snack that’s packed with apples. Here’s what makes them special:
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These bars bake up tender and chewy, thanks to the applesauce and oats. They remind me of a baked oatmeal you can hold in your hand, just like the grab-and-go ease of these No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars.
- Naturally Sweetened: With pure maple syrup and applesauce, these bars are lightly sweet without refined sugar.
- Warm Cinnamon Flavor: A generous dose of cinnamon gives these bars that comforting, apple-pie aroma.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips. flavors in my Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars.
- Healthy and Convenient: These bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with real ingredients. They also freeze beautifully.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Old Fashioned Oats – Be sure you’re using the old fashioned rolled oats, rather than quick cooking oats. This helps with the chewy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon – We’re not shy here, going with 2 tsp good quality cinnamon in the bars themselves, and a little sprinkle on top after baking.
- Unsweetened Applesauce – Acts as the main moisture source and natural sweetener, keeping the bars soft and chewy without added sugar. Homemade or store-bought both work well. If you want to keep these apple oatmeal bars sugar free, be sure to get applesauce that’s labeled “no sugar added.”
- Pure Maple Syrup – Definitely use 100% pure maple syrup here; not pancake syrup or any other syrup. You can substitute with raw honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste.
- Coconut Oil – Measure the coconut oil as a liquid, melting it before measuring. Coconut oil lends a subtle aromatic flavor, while remaining mostly undetected in this recipe. It’s a fabulous alternative to butter, and allows these oatmeal bars to remain dairy-free.
- Egg – Eggs are classified as a protein and not a dairy product. So happy about that, as it allows those who are dairy intolerant to enjoy these bars. Just 1 large egg will help the binding of these yummy oat bars.
- Apple – You’ll need 1/2 cup loosely packed grated apple here. I love Honeycrisp apples, as they have such amazing apple-y flavor. You can also use Fuji or Granny Smith.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Add-Ins: Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Dried cranberries, raisins, or a handful of chocolate chips make them extra fun.
- Texture Tweaks: For a heartier bar, stir in a few tablespoons of shredded coconut or extra oats. If you like them softer, bake a minute or two less.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Whisk applesauce, maple syrup, oil, egg, vanilla, and grated apple.
- Blend 1 cup oats into flour using a strong blender or food processor.
- Mix oat flour with remaining oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Make Entirely Ahead: I like to bake the bars the night before. Once they’ve cooled, cover them tightly or store in an airtight container. They stay soft and chewy at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight or warm briefly in the microwave for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe
Apple Oatmeal Bars
These apple oatmeal bars are one of my favorite healthy on-the-go breakfasts. They're soft, hearty, with a warm, baked-apple flavor.
Servings 12
Calories 166kcal
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cup applesauce pure, no sugar added
- 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 large egg room temp
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup grated apple loosely packed (I like honeycrisp)
- 2 ½ cup old fashioned oats divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
Optional Add-ins: chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruits, chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F, with rack on lower middle position. Grease an 8×8 baking pan and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine applesauce, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg, vanilla, and grated apple. Use hand whisk to combine well; set aside.
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Using a strong blender or food processor, blend 1 cup oats until you have oat flour. In a bowl, combine your oat flour with remaining rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and table salt. Use hand whisk to combine well.
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Gradually pour oat mixture into applesauce mixture, using rubber spatula to fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until no more dry flour streaks remain (do not over mix)
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Use rubber spatula to fully transfer batter into greased 8×8 pan, evening out the corners.
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Bake 30-35 minutes or just until edges are golden and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Do not over bake. Let baked oatmeal cool at room temp before cutting into bars.
Video
Notes
- Use old-fashioned oats for the best chewy texture. Quick oats will make the bars softer and less structured.
- These oatmeal bars may be wrapped airtight and frozen for a week or two, for easy grab-and-go.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with pure honey; keep in mind honey is a bit sweeter than maple.
- Measure coconut oil after melting to ensure accuracy and even baking.
- For more texture, you can chop your apples instead of grate them, if you like.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. They firm up as they cool, making cleaner slices.
- Add-ins: Try 1/2 cup to 1 cup worth of your favorite add-ins.
- This recipe is part of our Sweet Breakfast Recipes Collection.
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Join our Free Recipe Club and get our newest, best recipes each week!Nutrition
Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.6g | Protein: 2.7g | Fat: 6.4g | Saturated Fat: 5.3g | Cholesterol: 15.5mg | Sodium: 57mg | Fiber: 2.3g | Sugar: 9.2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
You can, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats give these bars their hearty, satisfying bite, while quick oats create a more cake-like texture.
What kind of apples work best?
Honeycrisp is my favorite for its natural sweetness and crisp texture, but Fuji or Granny Smith are great options too. You can grate the apple for a smoother texture or chop it for juicy bits in every bite.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Yes. Try adding nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. About ½ to 1 cup total works well without making the bars too heavy.
How long do they keep?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 weeks; thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before enjoying.
More to Cook and Eat
- Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies – These Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies are nutritiously packed with tons of rolled oats. Chewy, soft, and full of butterscotch chips too!
- Berry Crumble Bars – These Berry Crumble Bars taste like your favorite berry pie, but are so much easier to make! They’re perfect for large crowds.
- Pumpkin Pie Bars – Even better than a whole pie, pumpkin pie bars are an easy dessert made with a velvety pumpkin filling and extra crispy crust!
- Apple Cookies (With Caramel) – Soft and mildly sweet, these apple cookies envelop your tastebuds in warmth and happiness. Perfect for fall parties.
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