Soft and chewy 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars are the perfect snack for any time of day. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a healthy dessert, or an on-the-go snack, these bars have you covered. Made with just three simple ingredients, they showcase the natural sweetness of applesauce combined with the heartiness of oats and the rich flavor of peanut butter. Plus, they are easy to whip up in just 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 5 minutes of prep time! Simply mix your ingredients and bake.
- Healthy Snack Option: With wholesome oats and applesauce, these bars provide fiber and nutrients without added sugars.
- Versatile: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits to customize these bars to your taste.
- Perfectly Portable: These bars make excellent snacks for busy days, road trips, or lunchboxes.
- Kid-Friendly: The soft texture and sweet flavor make them appealing to both kids and adults.
Tools and Preparation
To make your 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars efficiently, gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking pan (8 inch by 8 inch)
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is crucial for easily blending all ingredients without spills.
- Baking pan (8 inch by 8 inch): This size is perfect for achieving even baking and cutting into ideal bar sizes.
- Parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
- Spatula: A spatula helps spread the batter evenly in the pan for uniform cooking.
Ingredients
Soft and chewy apple oatmeal bars are made with just three simple ingredients.
For the Bars
- 1 cup (251 g) unsweetened applesauce
- 6 tbsp (100 g) unsweetened natural peanut butter
- 2 cups (175 g) rolled oats
How to Make 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8 inch by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce and unsweetened natural peanut butter. Stir until fully mixed. Add in the rolled oats, mixing until everything is evenly incorporated. If you choose to add any mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits, now is the time!
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan, smoothing out the surface for even baking.
Step 4: Bake Your Bars
Bake in the preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes or until set and cooked through. Once done, allow them to cool completely before removing from the pan. Cut into bars for serving. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Enjoy your deliciously chewy apple oatmeal bars as a nutritious treat any time of day!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars
These soft and chewy apple oatmeal bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether as a breakfast option, a snack for kids, or a sweet treat, these bars can fit into any part of your day.
Breakfast Treat
- Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet morning boost.
- Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for added flavor and nutrition.
On-the-Go Snack
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a convenient snack during school or work.
- Wrap in parchment paper for easy handling when you’re out and about.
Dessert Option
- Top with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a delicious treat after dinner.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for an indulgent touch.
Kid-Friendly Snack
- Cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters to make them more appealing to children.
- Offer alongside nut butter for dipping to add some protein.
How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars
To ensure your apple oatmeal bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips. With just a few adjustments, you can elevate this recipe even further.
- Use ripe applesauce: Select naturally sweet applesauce for enhanced flavor without added sugar.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize the bars according to your taste.
- Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on the baking process to prevent overcooking; remove them as soon as they look set.
- Cool before cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to maintain their shape when sliced.
- Store properly: Keep uneaten bars in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to preserve freshness.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars
These oatmeal bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some tasty suggestions:
- Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer non-dairy yogurt with granola and fruit for a balanced meal that matches well with the bars.
- Nut Butter Dip: Almond or cashew butter provides a creamy dip that enhances the flavors of the bars.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie and serve it alongside for an energizing breakfast combo.
- Chia Seed Pudding: Make this nutritious pudding ahead of time for a healthy side that pairs nicely with oatmeal bars.
- Sliced Apples: Fresh apple slices offer a crunchy texture that complements the chewy oatmeal bars beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.
- Bold Mixing – Not mixing the applesauce and peanut butter thoroughly can lead to uneven flavor. Make sure you stir until fully combined.
- Bold Oven Temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) for best results.
- Bold Measuring Oats – Using the wrong amount of oats can change the consistency. Measure carefully to keep the bars chewy and well-structured.
- Bold Cooling Time – Cutting the bars too soon can result in a messy outcome. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- Bold Storage Method – Improper storage can make the bars lose their freshness. Use an airtight container for optimal preservation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat one bar for about 15-20 seconds, checking for warmth.
- Stovetop – Place bars in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making or storing these bars, you’re not alone! Here are some answers to common queries.
How do I customize my 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars?
You can add mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Just remember not to overwhelm the base mixture.
Can I use different nut butters?
Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work well as alternatives to peanut butter while keeping the recipe nut-free.
What if I don’t have rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used instead, but they may alter the texture slightly. For best results, stick with rolled oats.
Are these healthy snacks for kids?
Yes! These bars are nutritious and perfect for kids as a snack or breakfast option. They’re full of fiber and flavor!
Can I make these gluten-free?
To make gluten-free 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars, simply use certified gluten-free oats.
Final Thoughts
These 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Their soft and chewy texture makes them appealing to both kids and adults alike. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings like chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Give this simple recipe a try today!
3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars
Discover the delightful world of 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars, a quick and wholesome treat perfect for any time of day. These soft and chewy bars combine the natural sweetness of unsweetened applesauce with hearty rolled oats and creamy peanut butter, making them an ideal snack or breakfast option. With just three simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up a batch in only 20 minutes! Customize your bars by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy these nutritious bars as a convenient on-the-go snack or a satisfying dessert that both kids and adults will love.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 6 tbsp unsweetened natural peanut butter
- 2 cups rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the applesauce and peanut butter until smooth. Stir in the rolled oats until evenly mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes or until set. Allow cooling completely before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg