Save These Apple Pie Breakfast Bars transform morning routines with the nostalgic flavors of apple pie in a convenient, wholesome format. The perfect solution for busy weekday breakfasts, they deliver all the comfort of a homemade treat without the fuss.
I created these bars during a particularly hectic season when my family needed quick breakfast options that didn't sacrifice nutrition. The aroma of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen reminded us of Sunday apple pies, but with the practicality we needed for weekday mornings.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: provide hearty texture and sustained energy. Look for thick cut varieties for the best chew
- Whole wheat flour: adds nutty flavor and extra fiber. Freshly milled offers the best flavor if available
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: create that classic apple pie warmth. Choose Ceylon cinnamon for a more delicate flavor
- Coconut oil or butter: adds richness. Virgin coconut oil imparts a subtle sweetness
- Honey or maple syrup: naturally sweetens without refined sugar. Local honey adds wonderful complexity
- Unsweetened applesauce: boosts apple flavor while reducing the need for extra fat
- Fresh apples: provide juicy bursts of flavor. Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best
- Walnuts or pecans: add satisfying crunch and healthy fats. Toast them first for enhanced flavor
Instructions
- Prepare Your Equipment:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave enough overhang on two sides to create handles for easy removal later. This step prevents any sticking and makes serving much cleaner.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout the mixture, which guarantees consistent flavor in every bite.
- Blend Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil or butter with honey or maple syrup until smooth. Add the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated. The mixture should look glossy and uniform with no streaks of egg remaining.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, fold everything together with gentle strokes just until no dry spots remain. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough bars, so stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
- Add Fruit and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the diced apples and optional nuts and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The mixture will be quite thick, which helps suspend the fruit pieces throughout the bars rather than having them sink to the bottom during baking.
- Transfer to Baking Pan:
- Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, using the back of your spatula to spread it evenly into the corners and create a level surface. This ensures uniform thickness and even baking across all portions of your breakfast bars.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. The bars are done when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
- Cool and Slice:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper handles. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into 12 equal bars. Complete cooling ensures clean cuts without crumbling.
Save The diced apples are truly what make these bars special. I discovered that cutting them into small, uniform pieces about 1/4 inch in size creates the perfect texture where they become tender during baking but still maintain their shape. My daughter once called them little pockets of sunshine in each bite, and I cannot think of a better description.
Storage Solutions
These breakfast bars maintain their freshness remarkably well. Store them in an airtight container at room room temperature for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the spices meld together. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place in a freezer bag where they will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm gently in the microwave for 20 seconds for an instant breakfast.
Seasonal Apple Variations
Fall harvest brings the best selection of apples for these bars. Honeycrisp provides sweet juiciness while maintaining structure. Granny Smith offers tartness that balances the sweet elements. Pink Lady delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart. During other seasons, you can substitute frozen apple pieces that have been thawed and patted dry, though the texture will be slightly softer.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these bars at room temperature for a grab and go breakfast. Warm slightly and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a more substantial meal. Crumble over oatmeal for an apple pie inspired breakfast bowl. Pack in lunchboxes for a nutritious midday energy boost. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a healthier dessert option.
Dietary Adaptations
These versatile bars can be adapted for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For gluten free bars, substitute the whole wheat flour with a 1 to 1 gluten free baking blend and use certified gluten free oats. Vegan bakers can replace the eggs with flax eggs by mixing 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water and letting it gel for 15 minutes before adding to the wet ingredients. For those avoiding refined sugar, the recipe already uses natural sweeteners, but you can reduce the honey or maple syrup to 1/4 cup if desired.
Save The parchment handles are a lifesaver for lifting these bars out of the pan cleanly. This simple step ensures you don't sacrifice any of your delicious creation.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any firm apple work well for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and good texture.
- → How do I make these bars vegan?
Use flax eggs in place of eggs and choose maple syrup and coconut oil to keep the bars fully plant-based.
- → Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats and substitute the wheat flour with a gluten-free blend for best results.
- → What's the best way to store the bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- → Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for added texture and flavor if you like.