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.
30+ Fast and Easy Back to School Breakfasts - Pumpkin 'N Spice 09.08.2018
[…] Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars by Iowa Girl Eats […]
Bobi 07.14.2018
Made this today. These were good! I won’t rate the recipe because I made some changes. I had applesauce in prepackaged 4oz containers. I used two of them. I figured two more Tablespoons wouldn’t hurt. I didn’t have any maple syrup so I used 1/2 cup of brown sugar. I was out of my coconut oil so I substituted oil. The thing I was most excited about is you taught me to grind part of the oatmeal into flower! All of my other baked oatmeal recipes use whole rolled oats. Yours is a game changer! I like the texture in these bars so much better! Nice recipe. Thank you for sharing! It made 8 bars for about 260 cal each.
peggy 07.12.2018
do you think this would work with an egg replacer? Thanks
Kristin 07.13.2018
I’m sure it would – the recipe is extremely flexible. :)
Ana Lia Johnson 06.23.2018
I love these bars! i double the recipe and freeze. I use them as my own breakfast coupled with nut butter. They are super filling! So no more morning snacking :)I have used cloves in them also for a different taste.
Kristin 07.05.2018
So glad you have enjoyed these bars, Ana! They are a staple around here too. :)
Mirranda osborne 02.11.2018
Can you use honey instead of maple syrup
Jill Moser 08.17.2018
Would also like to know about using honey in place of syrup
Mama Leasa 01.14.2018
I just made these…I used date paste along with the maple syrup and added 1/4 cup of ground ginger snaps to the flour and oatmeal mixture. They are delicious! I hope the children I made them for enjoy them as much as I am!
Lauren 01.06.2018
I finally got around to making these. At first I was like meh, but was thrilled my 4 and 2 year old liked them. But I just heated one up as a post workout snack and smeared some peanut butter on it. Holy buckets was that delicious!!
Meghan 12.28.2017
My little guy is allergic to coconut. Any suggestions for substitutions for the coconut oil?
Hayley 11.02.2017
Oh my goodness, my two boys are going to LOVE these (if I can keep myself from eating the whole pan)!! They look insanely good!!
Renee Roberson 10.26.2017
We just made these to take as a plane ride snack and they are perfect! I find them to be well spiced and not very sweet, which I wanted. I would say anyone who didn’t get it as sweet to maybe look at the maple syrup you use. Or pick a sweeter apple variety to shred. This is the 3rd of your recipes I’ve made in 2 days and every one is spot on. Thank you!
Roxana 10.21.2017
Lovely recipe and perfect for the breakfast or as a snack during the day and also a good source of energy and fibres!
Vanessa 10.20.2017
I’m so excited about these! I’m obsessed with the other versions. :)
Ryan | The Blessed Mess 10.18.2017
Yum! We love your blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars so I’d like to try these to mix it up now that blueberries are out of season.
Jena 10.17.2017
I made these with my 3 year old son, and he loooved them! Good luck with the sleep training! It’s the worst but so, so worth it when they finally learn to put themselves to sleep. You can do it, momma! I love your blog- we have multiple food intolerances to cook for and I can always find a recipe here!
Kristin 10.18.2017
So glad to hear that, Jenna!! Thanks for your feedback, and I’m so glad the recipes are a fit for your family!
Crissy 10.17.2017
These are so yummy!! I toasted mine this morning because I wanted it to be warm and then spread a little nut butter on top (b/c why not, right?). AMAZING!
Kristin 10.18.2017
Love, love, LOVE! Thanks for your feedback, Crissy!
Christina 10.17.2017
I’m a long time follower and huge fan of all of your recipes! I loved the blueberry plus the maple pecan versions of these bars and this one is SO good as well. My 3 yr old and 1 yr old love these too!
Kristin 10.18.2017
Yeahhhh!! So glad they were a hit with the kiddos, Christina. :)
Laura 10.16.2017
I made these during nap time this afternoon and my kids (ages 3 and 1) gobbled them up! I think they’ll be good send to preschool for lunch. It’s a keeper. Also, I feel your pain regarding sleep. Both of mine were really tough sleepers – you’re not alone.
Kristin 10.18.2017
So glad to hear it, Laura! Thanks for your feedback, and support!
Danielle 10.16.2017
There is a light at the end of the sleepless tunnel! We had the same situation with our son (currently 16 months) and just after a year, he finally started to sleep through the night. We never had to worry about sleep training our daughter, but our son was more of an “adventure”. I hope you get the same turn-the-corner relief after Cameron’s birthday because sleep = bliss! Aaannd a few less middle of the night arguments about will or will not work to get him to sleep is also bliss.
Kristin 10.18.2017
Lincoln woke up every morning at 4am to nurse (then went back down until 7 or so) until he was 11 months old. I was convinced he was going to do this forreeeevveerrrr. Then one day, he stopped! So, hopefully like him and your little guy, this will all just work itself out. #keepdreaming ?
Nicole @ Bento Momentos 10.16.2017
This recipe reminds me of those Quaker Oat Square bars I had growing up. Apple cinnamon was always my favorite…your version is a lot healthier though. :) I hope the middle of the night wake ups don’t last too much longer…
Kristin 10.18.2017
Yeah!! Hope you love them, Nicole!
MH 10.15.2017
OK, we just made these bars and are eating them warm and they seem so bland… I came here to read through the comments to see if anyone else had similar thoughts or suggestions. We have been reducing our processed sugar consumption so I was excited to try these. While these smelled wonderful, they seem to be missing some zip…
Kristin 10.15.2017
I’m sorry to hear that, MH! Is it possible you omitted an ingredient, or mis-measured something? These were pretty sweet to me, and the cinnamon flavor was pretty powerful too.