Craving a wholesome start to your day that’s ready when you are? These Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Bars are your answer for delicious Healthy Breakfast Meal Prep. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how perfectly they combine comforting flavors with nourishing ingredients.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Rolled Oats: Do not use instant oats; steel-cut oats will change the texture significantly.
- Apples: Any sweet or tart apple works well; consider Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be substituted for sweetness.
- Plant-Based Milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk are great choices; dairy milk also works.
- Apple Butter: Adds rich apple flavor. If you don’t have it, use more unsweetened applesauce.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 ½ cups plant-based milk
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened apple butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (for extra fiber)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 bars
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your bars don’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. If using optional nuts or chia seeds, add them now.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine the plant-based milk, maple syrup, apple butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these until they are well blended. This creates your liquid base.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry oat mixture. Add the finely diced apples. Stir everything together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the Oatmeal
Pour the mixture into your prepared 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Cut
Let the baked oatmeal cool completely in the dish on a wire rack before cutting into bars. This is crucial for them to hold their shape. Once cooled, slice into 8 equal bars.
Variation Ideas:
- Berry Boost: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries) to the mix.
- Nut Butter Swirl: Swirl a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter (almond, peanut) into the mixture before baking.
- Tropical Twist: Swap half the apple for shredded unsweetened coconut and diced pineapple.
- Protein Power: Stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder with the dry ingredients.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual bars for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy them cold.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
No, quick oats will result in a mushier texture. Stick with rolled oats for the best bar consistency.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make these bars sweeter?
You can increase the maple syrup by 1-2 tablespoons, or sprinkle a little brown sugar on top before baking.
Can I add more fruit?
Yes, you can add up to 1 cup of diced fruit without significantly altering the baking time.
Are these bars suitable for Healthy Breakfast Meal Prep?
Absolutely! They are designed to be made ahead of time and stored for convenient breakfasts throughout the week.
What if I don’t have apple butter?
You can use an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce in its place. The apple flavor might be slightly less intense.
