Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter) These main ingredients form the heart of your breakfast bars. The rolled oats give them a chewy texture. Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture. Almond butter or peanut butter brings richness and healthy fats. - 1 large apple, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon These flavorings boost taste and aroma. Diced apples offer a fresh crunch. Honey or maple syrup enhances sweetness naturally. Vanilla extract and ground cinnamon add warmth and depth to every bite. - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) - 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries You can mix in nuts for extra protein and crunch. Dried fruit adds a chewy, sweet touch. Feel free to customize these add-ins to suit your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps when you remove the bars later. If you don’t have parchment, grease the pan lightly. 3. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure to stir well. 4. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/3 cup of honey (or maple syrup), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. 1. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed. 2. Now it’s time to fold in the diced apple. Use one large apple, peeled and diced. Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. You can also add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries if you like. 3. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking pan. Press it down evenly with your hands. This helps the bars hold together when baked. 1. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check when the edges turn golden brown. 2. When done, remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. 3. After cooling, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice them into bars. Enjoy your tasty breakfast bars! Measuring ingredients is key to getting the right texture. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy. If you want chewy bars, stick to the recipe. If you prefer crunchy bars, bake them a bit longer. You can also reduce the applesauce slightly for a firmer bite. To add depth, try spices like nutmeg or ginger. A few drops of almond extract can also boost flavor. Fresh apples give a juicy bite, while dried fruits add chewy sweetness. Experiment with both to find your favorite. Presentation matters! Serve the bars on a nice plate. You can dust them with cinnamon or drizzle honey on top. For a complete breakfast, pair the bars with yogurt or a smoothie. This adds creaminess and extra flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for Granny Smith apples which provide a nice tartness that balances well with the sweetness of the bars. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, feel free to reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup for a less sweet bar, or add more for a sweeter treat. Mix-ins Variety: Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to personalize your breakfast bars – try adding chocolate chips or coconut for a fun twist. Storage Tips: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage – they make a great grab-and-go option! {{image_2}} You can switch up the nut butter. Try using cashew or sunflower seed butter. Each adds its own unique taste. You can also change the sweetener. Agave syrup or stevia work great as alternatives. These swaps keep the bars tasty and cater to different diets. Want to change the flavor? Adding spices like nutmeg or cloves gives a warm kick. You can also mix in other fruits. Bananas or berries add sweetness and extra nutrition. This makes each bite a little surprise. For gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats. This small change keeps the base safe for those with gluten issues. If you need vegan bars, replace honey with maple syrup. This simple swap keeps the bars delicious and plant-based. These options ensure everyone enjoys a tasty breakfast! To keep your Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and keeps them chewy. At room temperature, they stay good for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. For long-term storage, you can freeze these bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat one, remove it from the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Check your bars for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or have mold, toss them out. Also, if they feel too hard or dry, they may not taste good. To extend shelf life, keep them in a cool, dark place and avoid direct sunlight. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for about three days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This keeps them soft and chewy. These bars are packed with good ingredients. They have oats, which give you fiber. Fiber helps keep you full longer. Apples add vitamins like A and C. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels. Almond butter gives healthy fats and protein. This mix provides energy to start your day right. You can change up the ingredients easily. If you don’t like almond butter, use peanut or cashew butter. For sweeteners, swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup. You can add spices like nutmeg for more flavor. Want more texture? Toss in some seeds or swap the nuts for your favorites. You learned how to make chewy apple cinnamon breakfast bars from start to finish. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You can personalize the recipe with your favorite fruit and spices. I shared how to store them for freshness and answered common questions. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and textures. These bars are a tasty way to start your day. Happy baking!$

Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars

Delicious and healthy breakfast bars made with oats, apples, and cinnamon.

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Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large apple, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
0.5 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
0.33 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
0.5 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal or grease it lightly.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
In another bowl, combine the applesauce, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the diced apple, nuts, and optional raisins or dried cranberries.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press down evenly to ensure the bars hold together once baked.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges become golden brown.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

Serve the bars dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey on top, or individually wrapped in parchment for an on-the-go breakfast option.

Keyword apple, bars, breakfast, cinnamon, healthy