These Apple Oatmeal Bars are naturally sweet, chewy, and bursting with apple and cinnamon. Made without added sugar, eggs, or oil, they make a healthy snack or dessert adults and kids will enjoy.
If you like oat-based snacks, try variations such as banana baked oatmeal cups, oatmeal cake, or oatmeal chocolate chip bars for more healthy ideas.
When autumn arrives, I gravitate toward apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin flavors — they feel warm and comforting. These apple oatmeal bars use simple, natural ingredients like apples, applesauce, oats, and cinnamon to create a wholesome, portable snack. They work for breakfast, an after-school treat, or an anytime energy boost. High in fiber and nutrients, they satisfy cravings and keep you full longer.
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and easy. One bowl and minimal prep are all it takes. You’ll have a batch ready with very little cleanup.
- Healthy and nutritious. Made with apples, oats, and simple pantry staples, these bars are gluten-free (when using certified oats and oat flour), sugar-free unless you add sweetener, and can be made vegan. They’re lower in calories and offer a good protein and fiber boost.
- Sweet and chewy. The texture is soft and chewy with tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon. Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Meal-prep friendly. They keep well in the fridge and freeze beautifully, making them convenient for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.
- Versatile. Serve them for breakfast, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy as a wholesome dessert.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Apple: Use naturally sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji or Golden Delicious. They add sweetness and texture without extra sugar.
- Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce works best, store-bought or homemade. Cinnamon applesauce adds extra depth if you prefer.
- Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best chew. Quick or instant oats will become softer and can make the texture mushy.
- Oat flour: Use store-bought or homemade oat flour. Substitute almond flour, whole wheat flour, extra oats, or protein powder if desired.
- Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and helps bind the bars without oil or eggs. Use 2% plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.
- Vanilla, cinnamon, and salt: These simple flavorings balance and enhance the apples. Swap in apple pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg for variation.
How to make apple oatmeal bars
Step 1 – Prepare. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 7 x 7 inch (15 x 15 cm) pan with parchment paper. Wash, core, and dice one apple into small pieces.
Step 2 – Mix wet ingredients. In a large bowl combine 1 cup (250 g) unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup (60 g) Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt), 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. If you prefer sweeter bars, stir in 2–4 tbsp maple syrup or honey to taste. Mix until smooth.
Step 3 – Add dry ingredients. Stir 1 1/2 cups (150 g) rolled oats and 1/2 cup (50 g) oat flour into the wet mixture until combined. Fold in the diced apple so it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4 – Bake and cool. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it into an even layer. Top with extra diced apple if you like. Bake for 17–20 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool completely, then slice into bars.
Watch the video recipe
Recipe tips
- Choose the right apple. Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala give plenty of natural sweetness and hold up well when diced.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Unsweetened applesauce often provides enough sweetness, but add 2–4 tbsp maple syrup or honey for a sweeter result, especially if serving to kids.
- Mix-ins. Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, peanut butter, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Chill for best texture. Storing the bars in the fridge firms them up and lets the cinnamon flavor develop.
- Serve with toppings. A dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, nut butter, or a scoop of ice cream elevates these bars.
Make ahead and storage
Cool the bars completely before storing. Slice into 6 bars or your preferred size. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to extend freshness. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 4 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or microwave — no thawing required.
More healthy oat snacks
- Oatmeal protein cookies
- Strawberry oatmeal bars
- Banana oat bars
- Oatmeal cake
- Protein oatmeal bars (3 ways)
- Oatmeal chocolate chip bars
- Oatmeal breakfast bars
- 2-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies
Apple Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) rolled oats
- ½ cup (50 g) oat flour, or substitute almond flour or protein powder
- 1 cup (250 g) applesauce, unsweetened
- ¼ cup (60 g) Greek yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- a pinch of salt
- 2 to 4 tbsp maple syrup, optional
- 1 apple, finely diced
Instructions
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Heat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 7 x 7 inch (15 x15 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper.
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Wash, core and dice the apple into small pieces.
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In a large bowl combine applesauce with yogurt, vanilla, cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Add 2–4 tbsp maple syrup or honey if you want a sweeter bar. Stir until smooth.
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Add rolled oats and oat flour, stir until combined, then fold in the diced apple until evenly mixed.
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Press the mixture into the prepared pan and top with extra apple if desired.
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Bake for 17–20 minutes until set in the center. Cool completely, then slice into bars.
Notes
Ingredient notes
- Sweetener: Unsweetened applesauce often provides enough natural sweetness. Add a couple tablespoons of maple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter bar.
- Vegan: Swap Greek yogurt for a nondairy yogurt, such as a Greek-style soy yogurt.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour.
- Protein boost: Replace oat flour with 1/2 cup of protein powder (vanilla vegan works well) to increase protein.
- Extras: Mix in nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to vary texture and flavor.
Storage notes
- To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- To freeze: Freeze in zipper bags for up to 4 months.
- To reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave directly from frozen or thawed.