Description
Delight in these homemade Apple Cinnamon Oat Bars, a wholesome and delicious treat combining the natural sweetness of diced apples with warm cinnamon and hearty rolled oats. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a healthy snack, these bars bake to a golden brown perfection with a subtle honey and brown sugar sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Mixture
- 1 cup diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir gently to coat the apples evenly and set this mixture aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently until well combined. Then carefully fold in the cinnamon-coated diced apples to distribute them evenly.
- Fill Baking Pan: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even layer.
- Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the pan.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from oven and allow bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then cut into 16 bars and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to ensure they hold together well.
Notes
- Use firm apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji for best texture and flavor.
- Press the mixture firmly in the pan to help the bars hold their shape when cutting.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans with the oats.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
