Delicious & Healthy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bars: Your Perfect Grab-and-Go Treat

Start your day on a sweet and wholesome note with these incredibly moist and flavorful Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bars. Bursting with the comforting taste of fall, these bars are packed with heart-healthy oats, tender apple chunks, and warm cinnamon spices. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying breakfast on a busy morning or a nutritious snack to power through your afternoon, these homemade apple oat bars are the ideal solution. They offer the convenience of a pre-packaged bar without any of the artificial ingredients, making them a delicious and smart choice for the entire family.

Looking for more wholesome bar recipes? Explore our collection of delightful options like the Super Healthy Raspberry Oatmeal Bars, our wholesome Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bars, and these simple yet satisfying Easy Fruit Granola Bars!

Why These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars Will Be Your New Favorite

• Wholesome and Hearty: Crafted with nourishing oats, aromatic cinnamon, and naturally sweet apples, these homemade apple oat bars are an excellent source of fiber and whole grains, making them a truly satisfying and guilt-free treat.
• Unbeatable Convenience: Forget expensive, store-bought breakfast bars filled with questionable ingredients. These homemade bars are designed for busy lifestyles, offering a quick and easy grab-and-go option that saves you time and money, perfect for school lunches, office snacks, or post-workout fuel.
• Customizable to Your Liking: The beauty of these baked oatmeal bars lies in their versatility. Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite add-ins—from different fruits and nuts to various types of chips—to create endless flavor combinations tailored to your family’s preferences.
• Family-Friendly Fuel: Nutritious, delicious, and incredibly filling, these apple cinnamon baked oatmeal bars are a fantastic option that the whole family will enjoy. They provide sustained energy, helping everyone stay focused and energized throughout their day.
• Budget-Friendly: Making your own snack and breakfast bars at home is significantly more economical than purchasing them. You control the ingredients, avoid unnecessary additives, and enjoy fresh, quality food for less.
• Comforting Flavors: The delightful combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon evokes a sense of home and comfort, making these bars particularly appealing during cooler months or whenever you crave a cozy treat.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bars

Creating these delicious and healthy cinnamon apple oatmeal bars requires a few simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. We’ve optimized this recipe for ease and accessibility, ensuring a delightful baking experience.

Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats (see variations for other oat types)
• Optional: dash of salt (enhances flavors)
• ¾ cups HERSHEY’S Cinnamon Chips (or substitute with mini chocolate, salted caramel, or peanut butter chips)
• 1 medium apple, diced small (choose firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bars

Follow these easy steps to bake your very own batch of irresistible apple cinnamon oatmeal bars. Precision and patience are key to achieving that perfect moist and chewy texture.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lightly greasing it, then lining it with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and can be lifted out effortlessly.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter (or margarine), packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This can be done with an electric mixer or by hand.
3. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Continue to beat well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
5. Fold in Oats and Flavorings: Gently stir in the quick-cooking oats, cinnamon chips (or your chosen alternative), and the small diced apple pieces. The batter will be quite stiff, which is normal.
6. Spread into Pan: Press the stiff batter evenly into the prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. You might find it easiest to use the back of a spoon or your hands (lightly floured) to spread it out smoothly.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake to ensure the bars remain moist.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the apple oat bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares or rectangles. Cooling them fully prevents crumbling and makes for cleaner cuts.

Storing Your Delicious Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Bars

Proper storage is essential to keep your homemade cinnamon apple oatmeal bars fresh and delicious for days. These convenient bars are perfect for meal prepping and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy them within 1-2 days, store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation.
• Refrigerator: For extended freshness, place the bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Chilling them can also enhance their texture.
• Freezing for Later: These bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, slice them into individual portions. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or warm gently in the microwave.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Oatmeal Bars

These cinnamon apple oatmeal bars are wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and add-ins to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

• Healthier Choices: To make these bars even more nutritious, consider swapping out some of the quick oats for whole-grain rolled oats or gluten-free oats if preferred. For reduced sugar content, experiment with natural sweeteners like Lakanto sugars or a blend of applesauce and a smaller amount of traditional sugars. You can also incorporate a tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds for an extra boost of omega-3s and fiber.
• Alternative Mix-ins: Don’t have cinnamon chips? A teaspoon of ground cinnamon can provide that classic warmth. Beyond cinnamon, explore other delicious chip options like classic mini chocolate chips, rich butterscotch chips, or savory salted caramel chips. For a fruity twist, add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried cherries. A handful of nuts such as chopped almonds, walnuts, or pistachios can provide a satisfying crunch and healthy fats.
• Fruit Swaps: Not an apple fan? This recipe is highly adaptable to other fruits! Blueberries, chopped pears, or even mashed banana can be wonderful substitutes for the apple, offering a different but equally delightful flavor. Ensure the fruit is diced small to distribute evenly.
• Decadent Indulgence: For an extra special treat, warm a bar briefly in the microwave. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a luscious drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or a swirl of almond butter. This transforms a simple snack into a gourmet dessert!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bars Every Time

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor for your oatmeal bars is easy with a few simple baking tips:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dry bars instead of tender ones.
• Use Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is truly softened (but not melted) for creaming with the sugars. This creates a light and airy base for your bars.
• Dice Apples Small: Small apple pieces ensure even distribution throughout the batter and cook thoroughly without adding too much moisture.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper or foil with an overhang makes lifting the cooled bars out incredibly easy, allowing for clean cuts.
• Cool Completely: Resist the urge to cut into the bars while they are still warm. Cooling completely allows them to firm up, making them much easier to slice neatly without crumbling.
• Test for Doneness: Use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bars are ready.

Health Benefits of Oats and Apples

These Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bars aren’t just delicious; they’re also packed with nutritional goodness, primarily thanks to their star ingredients: oats and apples.

• Oats: A true superfood, oats are rich in soluble fiber, specifically beta-glucan, which is known to help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health. They also contribute to stable blood sugar levels, providing sustained energy and helping to keep you full longer. Oats are also a good source of essential minerals like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.
• Apples: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” isn’t just a saying! Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which aids in digestion and gut health. They are also loaded with antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which help protect your cells from oxidative damage. The natural sugars in apples provide a healthy sweetness without relying solely on refined sugars.
• Balanced Snack: Combining oats and apples creates a balanced snack that offers complex carbohydrates for energy, fiber for satiety, and a host of vitamins and minerals to support overall well-being.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

These versatile Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bars can be enjoyed in many ways throughout the day:

• Classic Breakfast: A perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings, paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Energizing Snack: Ideal for a mid-morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat to ward off hunger.
• Post-Workout Refuel: The combination of carbohydrates and fiber makes it a great choice to replenish energy after exercise.
• Kid-Friendly Treat: A wholesome alternative to sugary processed snacks for lunchboxes or after-school munchies.
• Warm Dessert: Heat gently in the microwave and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a comforting dessert.

Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bars

By Kim Lange

Indulge in these super moist Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bars for a sweet morning breakfast treat or delicious afternoon snack. Graciously packed with heart-healthy oats, small chunks of apples and cinnamon chips, these bars are perfect for on-the-go breakfast and snacking.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Servings: 9 Servings

Calories: 224 kcal

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• ¾ cups HERSHEY’S Cinnamon Chips (can also use mini chocolate, salted caramel or peanut butter chips)
• 1 apple, diced small

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper or foil.
2. Beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a bowl until creamy.
3. Add egg and vanilla; beat well until fully incorporated.
4. Combine flour and baking soda in a separate bowl and then add to the butter mixture, beating well until just combined.
5. Stir in oats, cinnamon chips, and diced apples. The batter will be stiff.
6. Spread the stiff batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 454IU | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg

Keyword: apple, bars, healthy, oatmeal, oats

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Healthy Treat

Our apple cinnamon oatmeal bar recipe delivers a delightful blend of comforting apple and cinnamon flavors, making them an ideal choice for any season, especially fall. These bars are not only incredibly easy to make but also endlessly customizable to fit your personal taste and dietary preferences. They embody the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, providing a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you need a quick breakfast, a satisfying midday snack, or a wholesome post-workout refuel, these apple oatmeal bars are guaranteed to hit the spot. So, why wait? Whip up a batch today and savor the deliciousness while reaping all the amazing nutritional benefits. Don’t forget to share this fantastic recipe and the joy of homemade cinnamon apple oatmeal bars with your friends and family. It just might become their new favorite healthy indulgence too!

Give them a try and let us know how they turn out in the comments below! Share your creations on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!

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