Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars are a delicious way to start your day. These bars are soft, chewy, and packed with warm apple and cinnamon flavors. They are easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and a wonderful alternative to a sugary breakfast.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Oats: Rolled oats work best for texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch but may result in a softer bar.
- Apples: Any crisp apple like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp is great. Pears can be substituted for a different flavor.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey can be used. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Nut Butter: Almond butter or peanut butter adds richness and helps bind. Sunflower seed butter works for nut allergies.
- Spices: Cinnamon is key! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can also be added.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
* 2 cups rolled oats
* 1 cup whole wheat flour
* 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
* 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
* 1/4 cup almond butter (or other nut butter)
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Filling:
* 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220 calories
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, mixing bowls, parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes removing the apple cinnamon breakfast bars super easy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps and everything is well combined. This step sets the foundation for your breakfast bars.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, almond butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your bars tough. The mixture will be thick.
5. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a nice brightness.
6. Assemble the Bars
Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the apple filling over this first layer, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, crumble the remaining oat mixture over the apple layer. Gently press it down to form an even top.
7. Bake Your Bars
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. Let the apple cinnamon breakfast bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze individual bars in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats are recommended for the best results.
Q: Do I have to peel the apples?
A: Peeling is optional. The skin adds fiber and nutrients, but some prefer the smoother texture without it.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, use certified gluten-free rolled oats and substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Q: How can I make these less sweet?
A: You can reduce the brown sugar in the oat mixture by half, or omit the added brown sugar in the apple filling.
Q: Can I add nuts or seeds to the bars?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix in a 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or seeds (like chia or flax) into the oat mixture for added crunch and nutrition.
Q: My bars are crumbling, what happened?
A: This usually means they didn’t have enough binder or were over-baked. Ensure accurate measurements and don’t skip the nut butter or egg.