These Applesauce Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and lightly sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup for a wholesome treat. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, they’re simple to make and full of cozy flavor.
There’s something comforting about cinnamon, apples, and oats baking together—this combination fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. These Applesauce Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome option that works as a quick breakfast, a filling snack, or a light dessert.
Made from simple pantry staples, naturally sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup, and finished with a hint of warm spice, these bars are moist and chewy without being overly sweet. They’re easy to prepare and store well, making them a great choice for meal prep or school lunches.
If you enjoy wholesome oat-based snacks, try experimenting with different mix-ins such as nuts, raisins, or a few chocolate chips to tailor the bars to your family’s tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty – oats and apples make these bars satisfying and filling.
- Nutritious – naturally sweetened and packed with whole-grain oats and fruit.
- Easy and Meal-Prep Friendly – simple steps and great for busy mornings or on-the-go snacks.
- Kid Approved – mild spices and a soft texture make these a favorite with children.
Ingredients
Old-fashioned rolled oats – chewy oats form the bulk of the bars and provide texture and fiber.
Baking powder – a small amount helps the bars rise just slightly so they aren’t overly dense.
Ground cinnamon – warming spice that pairs perfectly with apple flavor.
Salt – enhances and balances the sweetness and spice.
Unsweetened applesauce – adds natural sweetness, moisture, and apple flavor.
Maple syrup – contributes gentle, natural sweetness and depth.
Olive oil – keeps the bars tender; melted butter or coconut oil work as alternatives.
Vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor alongside cinnamon and apple.
Egg – acts as a binder and helps the bars hold together.
Shredded apple – adds fresh apple flavor and moisture without appreciable crunch.
Variations
Add mix-ins – fold in raisins, chopped nuts, or a handful of chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Adjust the spice – in addition to cinnamon, try adding ½ teaspoon ground ginger or a pinch of allspice or cloves for a deeper warm spice profile.
Dairy-free and gluten-free options – use plant-based milk and certified gluten-free oats if needed.
Step by Step Instructions
Photo 1. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Photo 2. Whisk together the oil, maple syrup, egg, applesauce, vanilla, and milk in a separate bowl, then add to the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined. Fold in the shredded apple.
Photo 3. Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined and lightly greased 8×8″ baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Photo 4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. Allow the pan to cool on a wire rack.
Finish. Once cooled, lift the slab from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into nine bars. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Expert Tips
Use old-fashioned rolled oats – they provide the best chewy texture. Quick oats will produce a softer bar and steel-cut oats won’t cook through.
Stir gently – mix until just combined to avoid overworking the oats and creating tough bars.
Line the pan with parchment – this makes it easy to remove the whole slab for neat, even slices.
Cool completely before slicing – the bars firm up as they cool; cutting too soon increases crumbling.
Storage – keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Quick oats will work, but the texture will be softer. Rolled oats yield a chewier bar with more structure.
Yes. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and ensure any additional mix-ins or flour substitutes are labeled gluten-free.
Unsweetened applesauce is ideal so you can control the sweetness, but a sweetened variety will also work—reduce any additional sweetener if using sweetened applesauce.
Other Oat Bar Recipes to Consider
-
Blueberry Zucchini Oat Bars -
Dark Chocolate Banana Oat Bars -
Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Oat Bars -
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a rating or a comment and consider sharing a photo on social media with the handle greensnchocolate so I can see your variations.
Applesauce Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk)
- ⅓ cup applesauce
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup olive oil (or melted butter/coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 apple, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8″ baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, maple syrup, oil, vanilla, and egg. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded apple.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Let cool for 30–60 minutes before lifting out and cutting into bars.
- Enjoy at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter – stirring just until combined keeps the bars tender rather than dense.
Line the pan with parchment – this makes it easy to remove and slice the bars cleanly.
Cool completely before cutting – the bars firm up as they cool, so patience yields neat slices.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 14 g |
Protein: 2 g |
Fat: 7 g |
Sugar: 11 g |
Fiber: 1 g