These apple cinnamon oatmeal bars are soft, chewy, and full of flavor! With wholesome oats, sweet apples, and a touch of cinnamon, they make a yummy snack or breakfast treat.
Every bite is like a warm hug from fall. I love having these for breakfast on busy mornings—just grab one and go! They also freeze well, so you can save some for later. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you prefer, you could use sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just adjust the sugar slightly if using sweeter apples.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture for chewiness. Quick oats can work too, but they may make the bars softer. Avoid instant oats as they can become mushy.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my choice to control the salt level. You can also substitute coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the standard here, but whole wheat flour can be used for added nutrition. Just keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, white sugar with a bit of molasses (about 1 tablespoon per cup) can work. You could also use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Chewy Bars?
The secret to getting those lovely chewy oatmeal bars lies in the mixing and baking time. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tougher bars.
- Press the mixture firmly but gently into the pan. This ensures they hold shape but remain soft.
- Bake until the edges are set and the top is golden, but don’t overbake—this keeps them chewy.
Cooling completely in the pan helps with the texture, making them easier to cut. If you want clean edges, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water!
The Chewiest Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large apples, peeled and finely chopped or grated (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and another 35 to 40 minutes of baking time. After baking, let the bars cool completely; allowing about 30 minutes for this will give you the best texture. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 25 minutes to have these scrumptious bars ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Pan:
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan, and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides; this will help you pull out the bars later easily!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together well so that the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Whisking the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until it’s well mixed and smooth. This will bring all those yummy flavors together!
4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overdo it! We’re aiming for a nice, chewy texture here.
5. Adding the Apples (and Extras!):
Fold in the finely chopped or grated apples. If you want to add some extra fun, now’s the time to include those nuts or raisins!
6. Assembling in the Pan:
Take about two-thirds of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid base. Then, crumble the remaining third of the mixture over the top evenly—this will create a lovely topping!
7. Baking the Bars:
Pop the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and the bars are set in the center. Yum!
8. Cooling Process:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time helps them firm up, making it easier to cut later.
9. Serving the Bars:
After they’ve cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy these chewy, comforting treats!
10. Storage:
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze well too!
These bars are wonderfully moist, chewy, and brimming with the delightful flavors of apple and cinnamon—perfect for a cozy snack or breakfast on the go. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are recommended for a nice contrast to the sweetness, you can use sweet apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the bars even sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly.
Can I Substitute Coconut Oil for Butter?
Yes, you can substitute melted coconut oil for the unsalted butter, especially if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s in a melted state before mixing it with the other wet ingredients.
How Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, make sure that your rolled oats are certified gluten-free as some oats can be contaminated with gluten during processing.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Oatmeal Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months!