3 Ingredient Healthier Apple Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These 3 Ingredient Healthier Apple Oatmeal Bars are a simple, wholesome snack made with just apples, honey, and oats. Soft and naturally sweetened, they deliver the comforting flavors of baked apples combined with hearty oats, perfect for breakfast or a healthy treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Applesauce and Apple Cubes
- 356 g (about 3.25 cups) chopped peeled apples (about 1 inch cubes)
- 70 g (2/3 cup) finely chopped peeled apples (1/4 inch cubes)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (1 fl oz / 30 ml) honey (or more as needed to taste)
- 2 cups (175 g) quick oats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Cook Apples: Place the 356 g of large cubed apples into a pot filled with water. Bring to a simmer on the stovetop and cook until the apples are fork tender. Drain the apples and transfer them into a blender.
- Make Applesauce: Blend the cooked apples for a few seconds until they form a thick, grainy applesauce consistency without visible chunks. You should have about 1.5 cups of applesauce. This ensures enough moisture for the oat mixture.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the applesauce to a large bowl. Add the honey and whisk together until well combined. Stir in the quick oats until fully incorporated into a thick mixture. Taste and add more honey if desired. At this point, you can also mix in cinnamon or other spices if you like. Finally, fold in the finely chopped small apple cubes evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the surface.
- Bake Bars: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden and cooked through. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting into bars.
- Store and Serve: Store any uneaten bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for longer freshness.
Notes
- Use peeled apples for a smoother texture and milder flavor.
- Quick oats help bind the bars without additional flour or fat.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
- Optionally add cinnamon or nutmeg for additional flavor.
- Cooling the bars completely before cutting helps them hold together well.
- Store refrigerated for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
