Easy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars are soft, chewy, and full of cozy flavor—perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or an afternoon snack. Made with oats, fresh apples, and warm spices, these bars are wholesome, comforting, and simple to make. I love having a batch ready for busy mornings when I want something quick, homemade, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love these breakfast bars because they come together with simple pantry ingredients and make the whole kitchen smell like fall. They’re lightly sweetened, full of fiber, and easy to customize. Whether I eat them warm out of the oven or cold from the fridge, they always hit the spot without being too heavy. They’re also kid-friendly and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Rolled oats
-
All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
-
Baking powder
-
Ground cinnamon
-
Ground nutmeg (optional)
-
Salt
-
Apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced or shredded)
-
Eggs
-
Applesauce (unsweetened)
-
Maple syrup or honey
-
Vanilla extract
-
Coconut oil or melted butter
-
Optional: chopped nuts, raisins, flaxseed, or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top
Directions
-
I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking pan (8×8 or 9×9) with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, I whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
-
In another bowl, I mix the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil until smooth.
-
I combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the chopped apples and any optional add-ins.
-
I pour the batter into the pan, smoothing it out evenly.
-
I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bars are golden and set in the center.
-
I let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 9–12 bars and takes 15 minutes to prep, plus 25–30 minutes to bake. They’re ready in under an hour and store well for days.
Variations
-
I sometimes add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
-
For extra sweetness, I stir in a few raisins or mini chocolate chips.
-
I’ve swapped maple syrup with honey or brown sugar with great results.
-
For a gluten-free version, I use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, I wrap them individually and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. I reheat them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds for a warm, soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, I’ve used quick oats, but the texture is softer and slightly more cake-like. Rolled oats give the best chew.
What apples work best?
I like using sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Granny Smith adds a sharper bite if I want a more tart flavor.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, I substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup and coconut oil to keep everything plant-based.
Do I need to peel the apples?
I usually do for a smoother texture, but it’s fine to leave the peels on if I’m using softer-skinned apples and want more fiber.
Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. I wrap them individually and freeze for easy, quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Conclusion
Easy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars are warm, hearty, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat. I love how they pack so much flavor and goodness into each bite, and how easy they are to make ahead. Whether I’m enjoying them fresh out of the oven or grabbing one on the go, they always make my morning better.
PrintEasy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
Easy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars are soft, chewy, and filled with cozy apple and spice flavors. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, these wholesome bars are made with oats, fresh apples, and simple pantry staples. Great for meal prep and kid-friendly too!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup apples, peeled and finely diced or shredded
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or mini chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 tablespoon flaxseed
- Optional: sprinkle of brown sugar on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle brown sugar on top if desired.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bars are golden and set in the center.
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for best texture; quick oats will make the bars softer.
- Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples work well for different flavor profiles.
- Bars can be made vegan by using flax eggs and plant-based ingredients.
- Wrap and freeze individual bars for up to 2 months for easy breakfasts.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature (2 days) or in the fridge (up to 5 days).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
