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!
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
- Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Maple Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Mini Egg Bites
- High Protein Overnight Oats
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars
Description
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars are a healthy, gluten-free breakfast or snack recipe that taste decadent but are made without refined sugar.
Ingredients
- 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
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees then spray an 8x8" baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Jill 10.15.2017
These are by far my favorite of the oatmeal bars. I think it’s the no bananas. I love them in banana bread, but not crazy about them when it’s just a hint of flavor.
Erin C 10.15.2017
Ugh, we went through a phase where our then five-month-old was waking up every 2 – 3 hours to eat (after previously only waking up once or twice). We followed the advice in the book “Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems” (basically space out the feedings gradually over the course of about a week), and our kiddo has been sleeping through the night (or pretty darn close to it) ever since!
This recipe looks amazing! I have the hardest time coming up with healthy snacks and way too often resort to unhealthy options. I love that you can make them ahead then just grab when hunger strikes. Plus, gimme all the fall recipes, please!!
Jess 10.15.2017
I can’t wait to try these! What are your thoughts of doubling the recipe?
Stacy 10.14.2017
This post spoke to me today! Both the bars and the infant sleep issues :) My 7.5 mo old had been doing ok in the sleep department until a couple months ago, now it’s 4-5 wake ups a night….argh!
Kristin 10.18.2017
Ugh, same! We even sailed through the 4 month sleep regression without too many issues. So it goes…
Caroline O 10.13.2017
I’m right there with you. I have 8 month identical twin boys who wake up multiple times through the night and if one wakes, he almost always wakes up his brother. I’m walking around like a carb consuming zombie. And I may be up to 4 coffees a day ;) You do what you gotta do to get through the day right??!!
Kristin 10.18.2017
Gahhh – you win! I have a few friends with twin babies right now and I always tell myself, as tired as I am, I’m not “twin tired”. Hang in there Mama!
Kari 10.13.2017
Random question………what program do you use to edit your videos? They are awesome by the way!
Kristin 10.13.2017
Thank you, Kari! Most of my videos have been produced by an outside team so I can’t say for sure what they’re using. I’ve used a combination of Adobe Premiere Pro and iMovie for the ones I’ve made.
Heather K 10.13.2017
Can these be frozen, individually wrapped?
Kristin 10.13.2017
Yep! Cool completely then wrap in saran wrap and freeze.
Ada 10.13.2017
I feel your pain! My second child is a horrible sleeper! She is 11.5 months old and wakes up 3-4 times every night to nurse still. She throws epic fits when I try to rock her instead of nursing so I have no idea how to stop nursing at night! My son was the best sleeper so I’m at a complete loss on what to do! (And I am also living off of carbs!!)
Kristin 10.13.2017
SAME! I know cutting off nursing at night will (hopefully….probably) fix the problem but actually doing it will be torture. My oldest is the best sleeper too so I’m just like ?.
Cynthia 10.13.2017
These look yummy ;)’ I do have one little question though……can I make these with soy milk instead of almond milk and something else to substitute the egg? My niece and nephew have dairy, egg and nut allergies.
Kristin 10.13.2017
Hi Cynthia! Absolutely to soy milk – that is just fine – though I don’t know about the egg. You could try making a flax egg, though I just don’t know if it will be strong enough to keep the bars together. At the very least you could turn them into a crumble for yogurt or ice cream!
susan 10.13.2017
I detest anything coconut – could you use melted butter?
Kristin 10.13.2017
Sure! That or vegetable oil could work.
Kristi 10.13.2017
Hang in there! My youngest was a horrible sleeper up until around age 1. She would wake 2-4 times per night just to nurse for *seriously* like a minute and then fall right back to sleep in my arms. Once I weaned her she was great! Now she sleeps like a champ!! So hold on hope that it might get better. I know at the time is was SO HARD! But hopefully it’s just a phase.
Kristin 10.13.2017
I’m really hoping weaning is the solution because, like the sucker that I am, I do feed him every time he wakes up just to get him back down quickly. I’m probably creating this whole situation, but dangit change is hard.
Sheri 10.13.2017
This posting brought back memories…….I had 4 girls in 5 years. When I brought the last one home from the hospital….she was a premie a little under 5 pounds. I had 3 of them in diapers. And this last little peanut was cute…..but rarely slept through the night for the first 3 years of her life. And she cried a lot. I remember laying in bed at night with a pillow over my head…..praying she would just stop crying. Or I would sit in the rocking chair and rock her and she would still cry. When she would talk, she would cry and say I want my daddy! Daddy worked nights…..so I would tell her, he will be home in the morning. We would repeat this for hours. Then in the morning she would wake up like nothing had happened in the night. I frankly don’t know how I did it looking back. I feel your pain……seriously! Being a stay at home mom of several small children is not easy.
Kristin 10.13.2017
Oh my word, Sheri – you are The Woman!! Thanks for your encouraging message – I know (well, hope) that we’ll look back on this time in several years with rose colored glasses, but it sure is tough in the moment.
Pam 10.13.2017
Can’t wait to try these. They look great. Thanks for sharing.
Kristin 10.13.2017
Thanks Pam! I hope you love them. :)
Jill r 10.13.2017
Well (raise hand), I’m a mom of a terrible sleeper too. And sadly she almost 5 and we rarely get a solid nights rest. I thought for sure by now, we Would all be sleeping! Maybe by the time she has 16? LOL. I hope for your sake that Cam will sleep sooner
Kristin 10.13.2017
Sending stay asleep vibes to your daughter, Jill! ;)
Celia at Chicago Jogger 10.13.2017
Oh man, I feel your pain! My babe is 10.5 months old and we have no idea what we are going to get on a given night. 2-3 wake ups or a one hour scream fest ? bring on the snacks
Kristin 10.13.2017
Ughhhhh!!! Thank goodness for delicious carbs.
Joni Boetticher 10.13.2017
Just commenting to offer solidarity as a mom of a not so good at sleeping one year old. I know it’s rough. Thank goodness for coffee and yummy carbs. :) Also can’t wait to try this recipe! Your Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast bars are my six year old’s favorite breakfast. I’m sure he’ll like these too because he’s a big fan of apples.
Kristin 10.13.2017
Thank you, Joni! I’m actually feeling better hearing these messages from parents in the same miserable boat. :) Hope these bars become a new favorite for your family!
Julie 10.13.2017
My second kid was a terrible sleeper too. I did everything “right” with this one and still wakes at night (age 4). :/
Kristin 10.13.2017
Oy, Julie! Thank goodness for coffee and carbs.
Jen 10.13.2017
Mothers of crummy sleepers unite! I remember reading your Insta post about Cam’s sleep stuff when he was a few months old and nodding in sympathy. Sleep problems are the WORST! We had some success doing a modified version of The Sleep Lady’s method (Kim West). The only part I did significantly differently was I would pick him up to soothe him. Little man knows what he wants and would get infuriated if I tried to sue him from bedside. That really helped a lot as prior to that he would sleep for a couple hours then be up Every. Single. Hour. ? ugh!!
The bars look delicious!! I’m always on the hunt for nutritious, toddler/husband friendly snacks, ha!
Jen 10.13.2017
Oh gosh, pretty sure my baby was not infuriated by litigation! ? *soothe* him from bedside.
Kristin 10.13.2017
Hehe, I knew what you meant! That’s what we need to do – soothe crib-side versus pick up to rock. The real issue here is that I’m a softie and just HATE seeing his sad little face. So tough to give tough love. ?
Christina 10.13.2017
I’m out of coconut oil. What can I substitute?
Kristin 10.13.2017
I didn’t test these with anything other than coconut oil, but I bet you’d get the same results with vegetable oil.
Andrea 10.13.2017
Oh Kristen, I am so sorry that Cam is a poor sleeper. My boy will be a year old next week and is also a tough sleeper. I did everything “better/differently” than I did with my daughter, and still got another poor sleeper. I feel like Facebook friends and other bloggers constantly brag about how well their babies sleep and it makes me so frustrated! But know that you’re not doing anything wrong – these are just the cards we have been dealt. I feel your pain!
Kristin 10.13.2017
Our little guys must be the same age – Cam will turn 1 next week too! Well, just remember when you’re awake in that rocker at 3am…I probably am too. ;) We are not alone!