Imagine biting into a warm, cinnamon-spiced bar that tastes just like apple pie but packs the nutritional punch of a healthy breakfast. These Healthier Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars are about to revolutionize your morning routine, offering a perfect blend of comfort food and wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your wellness goals. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or a parent looking for a nutritious breakfast option, these bars are your new secret weapon!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 9 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 apple, diced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the bars bake evenly and achieve a nice golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Next, add 1 cup of applesauce to the dry mixture. The applesauce will help to bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the bars.
- Dice 1 apple into small pieces, ensuring to remove the core and seeds. Gently fold the diced apple into the mixture, distributing it evenly throughout the oats.
- Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the dish and press it down firmly to create a compact layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut the bars without them falling apart.
- After cooling, use a sharp knife to cut the oatmeal into 9 equal bars. For cleaner cuts, you can run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
- Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before serving. These healthier apple pie oatmeal bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips
- Use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor and texture. Varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work wonderfully in this recipe.
- For extra richness, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the mixture for added crunch and nutrition.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the brown sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure compact, easy-to-cut bars.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and achieve clean, neat slices.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a perfect meal-prep breakfast option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
