Are you tired of boring, bland health snacks that taste like cardboard? Get ready to discover the most irresistible Cinnamon Raisin Oat Bars that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These homemade bars are not just a treat, they're a game-changer in the world of healthy snacking - packed with wholesome ingredients, bursting with natural sweetness, and so easy to make that even novice bakers will feel like culinary champions.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This will help prevent the bars from sticking to the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey and unsweetened applesauce until well combined. This mixture will add sweetness and moisture to your oat bars.
- Pour the honey and applesauce mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
- Fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts (if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly into an even layer. Make sure to pack it tightly so the bars hold together after baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The bars should feel firm to the touch.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the bars have cooled completely, cut them into 12 equal squares or rectangles. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality rolled oats for the best texture and flavor. Old or stale oats can make your bars dry and less appealing.
- For extra richness, toast your walnuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding them to the mixture. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or reduce the amount of sweetener.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking pan. This ensures your bars will hold together perfectly when cut.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling. Patience is key to achieving that perfect, clean-cut bar!
- For variations, try adding dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or different types of nuts to customize your bars.
- These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months - perfect for meal prep or quick grab-and-go snacks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
