Applesauce Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Applesauce Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of day. Combining the natural sweetness of applesauce with hearty oats and a touch of cinnamon, they offer a comforting flavor and satisfying texture.

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 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, applesauce, peanut butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, and chopped nuts.
3. Step 3: Stir the mixture with a rubber spatula until everything is well combined and forms a thick, lightly wet batter. The batter will thicken as the oats absorb moisture.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and press firmly with the back of the spatula to create an even layer.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-35 minutes 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 2 hours before slicing. For easier cutting and less crumbling, you can refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes before slicing.
7. Step 7: Cut into 9 bars. Serve plain or with dairy-free vanilla yogurt, fresh berries, banana slices, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness and protein.

Tips & Variations

• You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to accommodate allergies.
• Adding chopped dark chocolate or coconut flakes can enhance the taste and texture.
• Use gluten-free oats if you need this recipe to be gluten-free.
• For a less sweet option, reduce the raisins or omit the maple syrup topping.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy warm bars, gently reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but keep in mind that sweetened applesauce will increase the overall sweetness of the bars. You may want to reduce or skip adding extra sweet toppings.

Can I add other dried fruits or seeds?

Absolutely. Chopped dried apricots, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds work well and add extra texture and flavor to the bars.

Applesauce Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 66 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and wholesome Applesauce Oatmeal Bars made with rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, and dried raisins. These bars are easy to prepare, baked to a perfect golden brown, and make an ideal on-the-go snack or breakfast, offering a naturally sweet and nutritious treat with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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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 aside.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, dried raisins, and chopped nuts. Stir with a rubber spatula until thoroughly mixed and a thick, lightly wet batter forms.
3. Combine Batter: Continue stirring the mixture; as the oat fibers absorb moisture, the batter will thicken and become less wet. Ensure all ingredients are well integrated for even texture.
4. Press Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, then firmly press it down with the back of the spatula to create an even, flat layer.
5. Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
6. Cool Down: Let the bars cool in the pan at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for 2 hours. For easier slicing, you may chill the pan in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Slice and Serve: Cut the cooled bars into 9 equal portions. Serve plain or with optional toppings such as dairy-free vanilla yogurt, fresh berries, banana slices, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness and protein.

Notes

• Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
• Unsweetened applesauce keeps the recipe naturally sweet without added sugars.
• Peanut butter adds protein and creaminess; choose natural peanut butter without added sugar if possible.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Optional toppings can enhance flavor and nutrition.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: applesauce oatmeal bars, healthy snacks, peanut butter bars, baked oats, vegetarian snack, easy breakfast bars, homemade granola bars