Crunchy Apple Cinnamon Oat Bars

In today’s fast-paced world, the appeal of homemade snacks has never been more significant. With a growing awareness of health and wellness, many people are seeking nutritious alternatives to the processed snacks that often dominate grocery store shelves. Homemade snacks not only allow for better control over ingredients but also provide the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. Among the myriad of options available for healthy snacking, Crunchy Apple Cinnamon Oat Bars stand out as a wholesome choice that caters to both taste and nutrition.

Discover the joy of making homemade snacks with these Crunchy Apple Cinnamon Oat Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, apples, and nut butter, these oat bars are perfect for breakfast, post-workout, or as a delightful treat anytime. Easy to prepare and fully customizable, they're a nutritious alternative to processed snacks. Enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors and textures while benefiting from their health advantages. Give this recipe a try and indulge in a deliciously healthy choice!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)

1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup diced apples (peeled)

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

1/4 cup chia seeds (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, salt, chia seeds (if using), thawed diced apples, chopped nuts, and raisins or dried cranberries.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and stir using a spatula until all the oats are coated and everything is evenly distributed.

Press and Shape: Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula, or your hands, to firmly press it down into an even layer. Ensure the mixture is packed tightly to hold together after baking.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center might still appear slightly soft but will firm up as it cools.

Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the dish and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving and Storing: Cut into bars or squares of your desired size. These oat bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for longer freshness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 16 bars