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3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars Recipe

4.6 from 108 reviews

These 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars are a quick, healthy, and delicious snack or breakfast option that requires no flour, eggs, or added sugar. Made with just applesauce, natural peanut butter, and rolled oats, these bars are naturally sweet, gluten-free, and perfect for on-the-go eating. You can easily customize them by adding honey for extra sweetness or mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts. Baked to a soft but set texture, they keep well refrigerated and make a wholesome treat for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup (251 g) unsweetened applesauce
  • 6 tbsp (100 g) unsweetened natural peanut butter
  • 2 cups (175 g) rolled oats (old fashioned oats)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8 inch by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce and natural peanut butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform in color and smooth in texture.
  3. Add Oats: Add the rolled oats to the peanut butter and applesauce mixture. Stir well to evenly incorporate the oats throughout the batter. If you want to add any mix-ins like honey, chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts, add them now and mix them in.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the surface for uniform baking.
  5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the bars look set and fully cooked through.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This prevents them from crumbling and helps them hold their shape.
  7. Storage: Store any uneaten bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • These bars have a naturally low sweetness. If you prefer sweeter bars, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey when mixing in the oats and adjust to taste.
  • You can customize the recipe with mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, chopped nuts, or cinnamon for additional flavor and texture.
  • It is best to use regular rolled oats (old fashioned oats) as they absorb liquid properly. Instant oats or sprouted oats might not set well.
  • If substituting peanut butter, use natural, unsweetened peanut butter without added oils or sugar. Alternatives like natural almond butter or cashew butter also work well.
  • Letting the bars cool completely before cutting ensures they hold together better.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: apple oatmeal bars, healthy snack, 3 ingredient bars, no flour bars, natural peanut butter, gluten free, easy baking, quick snack