Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars Recipe
They come together quickly — minimal prep and a short bake time.
Made with whole‑food ingredients like oats and apples, not sugary cereals.
Naturally sweetened (maple syrup or honey), yet still satisfying and flavorful.
Versatile: you can adapt them to be vegan, gluten‑free, or nut‑free with simple swaps.
Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a quick breakfast when mornings are busy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
rolled oats (old‑fashioned)
ground cinnamon
baking powder
salt
large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
maple syrup or honey
nut or seed butter (e.g. almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower‑seed butter)
vanilla extract
milk (dairy or non‑dairy)
diced apples (peeled or unpeeled, your choice)
Optional add‑ins: chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8‑inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk together the egg (or flax egg), maple syrup (or honey), nut/seed butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
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Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples and any optional add‑ins.
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Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing into bars.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes
Yield: about 9 bars
Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months — lay parchment between layers to prevent sticking. To enjoy warm, reheat in the microwave briefly or enjoy at room temperature.
Variations
Vegan: use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and plant‑based milk.
Gluten-free: choose certified gluten‑free rolled oats.
Nut-free: substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter or use coconut oil.
Dessert-style tweak: stir in chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips; for extra indulgence add a simple glaze drizzle or nut‑butter swirl.
FAQs
What if I don’t have old‑fashioned oats — can I use quick oats?
Yes — quick oats can work, but they tend to result in a softer, less chewy texture. Old‑fashioned oats give the best chewy, hearty bite.
Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
Yes, you can replace some (or all) of the diced apples with applesauce for a softer, moister bar — though the texture will differ slightly.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely. Use a seed butter like sunflower seed butter or substitute nut/seed butter with coconut oil (though binding may vary slightly).
What kind of apples work best?
Firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even tart varieties like Granny Smith — diced small for even distribution.
Can I make the bars sweeter or more indulgent?
Yes — add extra mix‑ins such as chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips. You can also drizzle a simple glaze or nut butter on top after baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten‑free?
Yes — just use certified gluten‑free rolled oats.
How should I store leftover bars?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature (up to 3 days), refrigerate (up to a week), or freeze (up to 2 months).
Can I reheat them?
Yes — briefly warm in the microwave, or serve at room temperature.
Are these bars suitable for a grab‑and‑go breakfast?
Definitely — they’re great for meal prep, lunch boxes, or a quick morning bite.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan (or two pans), adjusting bake time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
These Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars deliver cozy, wholesome flavor with minimal effort — perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or a healthy snack. With simple pantry staples, whole grains, real fruit, and adaptable substitutions, they’re a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
