Applesauce Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Applesauce Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack, perfect for breakfast or a midday boost. With simple ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and applesauce, they offer natural sweetness and hearty texture in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1 1/3 cups Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Dried Raisins
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/3 cup Chopped Nuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch by 8-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, applesauce, peanut butter, cinnamon, dried raisins, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts.
3. Step 3: Stir the mixture thoroughly with a rubber spatula until well combined and forming a thick, lightly wet batter. The oats will absorb moisture as you stir.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly with the back of the spatula to create an even layer.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool in the pan at room temperature for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for at least 2 hours. For easier cutting, refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes before slicing.
7. Step 7: Cut into 9 bars and serve plain or topped with dairy-free vanilla yogurt, fresh berries, banana slices, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Tips & Variations

• Swap raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates to change the flavor.
• Add a handful of chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence.
• Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty taste.
• If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the cinnamon or add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
• Press the batter firmly before baking to ensure the bars hold together well.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or enjoy cold as a snack. These bars also freeze well; wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats work best to provide structure and texture. Quick oats may result in a softer, less chewy bar, but they can be used in a pinch.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are free from gluten contamination.

Applesauce Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 98 reviews

Delicious and wholesome Applesauce Oatmeal Bars made with rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, cinnamon, vanilla, dried raisins, and chopped nuts. These bars are baked to golden perfection, offering a moist texture and a natural sweetness without added sugars. Perfect as a healthy snack or breakfast on the go.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1 1/3 cups Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Dried Raisins
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/3 cup Chopped Nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, dried raisins, and chopped nuts. Use a rubber spatula to stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture forms a thick, slightly wet batter. The oats will absorb moisture as you stir, thickening the batter.
3. Transfer to Pan and Press: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use the back of the rubber spatula to press down the batter firmly and evenly to shape the bars.
4. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the bars for 25 to 35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan at room temperature for 10 minutes. Then transfer the bars to a cooling rack and let cool for 2 hours to set, which prevents them from crumbling when cut. For easier slicing, optionally refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes before cutting.
6. Slice and Serve: Cut the bars into 9 equal portions. Enjoy plain or top with a dollop of dairy-free vanilla yogurt, fresh berries, banana slices, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor and a protein boost.

Notes

• Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; quick oats can make the bars too soft.
• Choose natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Opt for chopped walnuts or almonds for the nuts, or omit for a nut-free version.
• For extra sweetness, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the batter before baking.

Keywords: applesauce oatmeal bars, healthy snack, baked oat bars, peanut butter bars, natural sweet snack, vegetarian snack