Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars

As we creep closer to the season that shall not be named and anticipate spending more time indoors, I’ve been collecting activity ideas and, more importantly, healthy snack recipes to fill our time and bellies. Because I don’t know about your kids, but if mine are indoors and even semi-bored, they’re asking for a snack.

I actually don’t mind when they request my healthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars! This yummy, apple-season-inspired recipe tastes like you’re eating a big bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal in bar form. Dense, chewy, and perfect for breakfast or (the 57th) snack time!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars are packed with heart-healthy old fashioned oats, coconut oil, tons of cinnamon, fresh apples, and sweetened with pure maple syrup. No processed-sugar needed. Plus, for those of you who are banana-averse/allergic, these bars call for unsweetened applesauce as a binder/sweetener instead of mashed bananas. I recommend using Granny Smith apples but honestly, you can use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

How Long Do the Bars Stay Fresh After Baking?

These bars will keep just fine covered tightly on the countertop for 2-3 days, though I usually stash them in the refrigerator where they stay fresh for 4-5 days.

Can You Freeze Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars?

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars freeze beautifully! Bake, cool, then slice the bars, and then wrap individually in saran wrap. You can either thaw overnight in the fridge, or wrap in paper towels and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until heated through.

How to Make this Recipe

Start by processing gluten-free old fashioned oats in a food processor or blender until you have oat flour then add to a large bowl with more whole oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix with a fork to combine.

By the way, I wholeheartedly recommend GF Harvest gluten-free oats. I have no relationship or affiliation with them – I just love and appreciate their celiac-safe oat growing and processing procedures. These are the only oats I can eat with zero reaction which is why I buy, cough, 12lbs at a time. I never want to run out!

In another bowl whisk together milk (any kind – I use unsweetened almond milk,) egg, pure maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla then add to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

The last step is to fold in a grated Granny Smith Apple. I use Granny Smith’s for all my baked apple recipes because they hold up so well to baking, but truly any kind will work as they pretty much melt into the bars. That said, you can chop the apples if you want to go for a more “apple crisp” experience – super good either way.

Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 pan then bake for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees or until the edges are golden brown and the center is completely set.

Let the bars cool before slicing and devouring. Store leftovers in the fridge for quick and easy breakfasts or snacks, or individually wrap in saran wrap and toss inside the freezer. However you eat ’em – enjoy!

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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars

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dairy freegluten freevegetarian

4.5

4.5/5 (13 REVIEWS)

Description

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars are a healthy, gluten-free breakfast or snack recipe that taste decadent but are made without refined sugar.

Ingredients

makes 9 bars

• 2-1/2 cups certified gluten-free old fashioned oats*, divided
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, any kind (I used unsweetened almond milk)
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons no-sugar-added applesauce
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees then spray an 8x8" baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. Add 1 cup oats to a food processor or blender then process until oats have turned into flour (alternatively you could use a scant cup oat flour.) Add flour to a large bowl with remaining 1-1/2 cups old fashioned oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt then stir with a fork to combine and set aside.
3. In another bowl, add milk, applesauce, maple syrup, coconut oil, egg, and vanilla then whisk to combine. Pour into dry ingredients then stir until just combined. Fold in grated apples then pour batter into prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center has set. Cool before slicing into bars then store in the refrigerator, or individually wrap bars in saran wrap and freeze.

Notes

• I recommend GF Harvest Oats >
• If you don't have a box grater, you can finely chop the apples.

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.