3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars are a simple, wholesome snack perfect for busy days. Made with just applesauce, peanut butter, and rolled oats, they offer natural sweetness and satisfying texture without added sugar or flour.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce and peanut butter. Stir until fully mixed and uniform in color.
3. Step 3: Add the rolled oats to the mixture and stir until evenly incorporated. If you want to add any extras like chocolate chips or dried fruit, fold them in now.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the surface.
5. Step 5: Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the bars look set and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Let the bars cool completely before removing from the pan and cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a sweeter bar, add 1-2 tbsp of honey when mixing in the oats. Taste the batter and adjust as needed.
• Try mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Use natural unsweetened almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different taste or to avoid nuts.
• This recipe works best with rolled oats (old fashioned oats) rather than instant oats for better texture.

Storage

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy them cold as a convenient snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats are recommended because they absorb liquid better and give a firmer texture. Instant oats may make the bars too soft or mushy.

Can I substitute peanut butter with something else?

Yes, natural unsweetened almond or cashew butter are good alternatives. Sunflower seed butter or nut-free butters can also work for those with nut allergies.

3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (cut from 8×8 inch pan) 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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