Description
Soft oats and diced apples mingle with fragrant cinnamon and maple syrup, baking into golden bars that balance chewy texture and warm sweetness in every bite
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced apple
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs then stir in the maple syrup, melted butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apple, ensuring even distribution.
- Press the batter firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For extra texture, stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- To make gluten-free bars, substitute gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
- Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving if desired.