Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as delicious Applesauce Oatmeal Bars bake to golden perfection.
These bars are a breeze to whip up, offering a cozy treat that feels both simple and indulgent.
Watch as wholesome oats, smooth applesauce, and sweet brown sugar blend seamlessly into a delightful dessert, transforming ordinary ingredients into something special.
Ready to experience this comforting creation? Let’s bring these bars to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Measuring cup set
- 1 Measuring spoon set
- 1 Oven
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Applesauce Oatmeal Bars, here’s a suggested timeline:
- Preparation Reading Time: 5 minutes
- Read through the entire recipe, gather all equipment and ingredients.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Stir the mixture with a spatula until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown.
- Resting & Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack.
- Allow the bars to cool before slicing.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Add applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Stir the mixture with a spatula until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack.
Allow the bars to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Slice into bars and serve.
Serving Tips
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of the ice cream complements the soft, chewy bars perfectly.
- Topped with fresh berries: Add a burst of freshness and a pop of color by serving the bars with your favorite berries.
- Drizzled with caramel sauce: Enhance the sweetness and add a rich, gooey layer with a drizzle of caramel.
- Alongside a cup of coffee or tea: Enjoy the bars as a delightful afternoon snack paired with a warm beverage.
- Sprinkled with powdered sugar: For an elegant presentation, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage
Store Applesauce Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
Freezing
To freeze Applesauce Oatmeal Bars, first, cool completely.
Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap.
Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw before serving.
Reheating
To reheat applesauce oatmeal bars, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave them for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Creating homemade applesauce oatmeal bars is a simple and rewarding experience.
The combination of applesauce, oats, and spices produces a deliciously moist and flavorful treat.
These bars are perfect as a dessert or a snack.
Enjoy experimenting with additional ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to make the recipe your own.
Remember to allow the bars to cool before slicing. This guarantees they hold together well.
Whether you prefer them warm or cold, these bars are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the All-Purpose Flour With a Gluten-Free Alternative?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to adjust the liquid ratio slightly, as gluten-free flours often require more moisture for ideal texture.
What Type of Applesauce Works Best for This Recipe?
You should use smooth and unsweetened applesauce for the best results. It guarantees even texture and lets you control sweetness. If you like a touch of tartness, try applesauce made from Granny Smith apples.
How Can I Make the Bars Vegan-Friendly?
To make the bars vegan-friendly, substitute the melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Confirm the sugar is vegan-certified. You can also consider adding plant-based milk to enhance moisture and adjust the texture.
Are There Any Nut-Free Variations for This Recipe?
You’ve got options for nut-free variations. Simply skip adding nuts, and guarantee all ingredients, like butter and oats, are certified nut-free. Experiment with adding seeds or dried fruits for added texture and flavor without nuts.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips to the Batter for a Sweeter Version?
You can definitely add chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Just mix them into the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. They’ll melt slightly, creating delightful pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout each bar. Enjoy!
Applesauce Oatmeal Bars
Equipment
- 1 Baking pan 9×13 inch
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Oven
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Stir the mixture with a spatula until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack.
- Allow the bars to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
