Healthy Apple Oatmeal Bars

These Apple Oatmeal Bars are the perfect fall dessert for apple lovers! They are full of rich oats, warm cinnamon, and fresh, sweet apples, but are also gluten-free and dairy-free.  

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In the fall months, when you’re craving warm desserts with fall spices and apples, this healthy apple bar recipe should be your go-to dessert! Not only are these baked apple bars gluten-free and dairy-free, but they are also vegan and a great source of fiber. It’s the perfect healthy sweet treat without any refined sugars and lots of fruit!

If you like healthy fruit bar recipes, you will love my lemon yogurt bars and cherry oatmeal bars!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Breakfast or Snack Bar: These apple cinnamon oatmeal bars don’t have any refined sugar, so they are great for a grab-and-go breakfast or a quick snack or dessert! Try these raspberry crumb bars next.
• Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan: Apple oat bars are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, so they are the ideal dessert for many different lifestyles and diets.
• Great Source of Protein and Fiber: There are 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per bar. The protein and fiber help balance the sugar content and make these a healthier dessert option.

Ingredients

• Apples: Sweet apples are the best option for this recipe. I used Gala apples, but you could also use Honey Crisp or Fuji apples. Red Delicious and green apples wouldn’t be best for this recipe unless you mix them with the sweeter varieties.
• Gluten Free Oat Flour: You can use regular oat flour instead of gluten-free, but the oat flour cannot be substituted. You can make the oat flour by adding oats to a food processor and blending them into a powder.
• Coconut Sugar: This apple bar recipe is free of refined sugars, but doesn’t work with liquid sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. You could try monk fruit instead. If you’re okay with using refined sugars, try brown sugar as a substitute.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations & Dietary Modifications

• Try It with Pears: This recipe works well with pears instead of apples. They are naturally sweet and taste delicious with cinnamon and oats.
• Top with Almonds: Top these apple crumble bars with sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a nutty crunch. You could also use toasted coconut flakes!
• Spice It Up: Capture the bold flavor of warm, fall spices and add a sprinkle of nutmeg and cloves to this recipe. You could also try cardamom or fresh citrus zest for another layer of flavor.

How to Make Apple Oatmeal Bars

Enjoy snacking on baked apple oatmeal bars within the hour! This simple and healthy dessert is easy to make and is full of warm apple flavor. Before you get started on the recipe, preheat your oven to 200°F and grease an 8×8 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients. Whisk the almond flour, oat flour, oats, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then make a well in the center of the mixture.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients. Add the coconut oil and vinegar to the well. Mix until the flour mixture absorbs all of the liquid.

Step 3: Add to the Baking Pan. Press ⅔ of the batter evenly into the bottom of the baking pan.

Step 4: Add the Apples. Evenly layer the cubed apples on top of the packed batter.

Step 5: Make a Crumble Topping and Bake. Break the remaining dough into crumbs and sprinkle it over the top of the apples. Add slivered almonds on top for a little extra crunch. Then bake for 30 minutes at 200°F. Let the bars cool for 30 minutes before cutting them.

Expert Tips

• Grate the Apples: If you prefer a less chunky texture of apple, try grating your apples into thin pieces. There will be a lot of apples packed into every bite without any extra crunch or chewing.
• Use a Combination of Apple Varieties: This recipe tastes best with sweet apples like Honey crisp or Gala, but if you use a combination of sweet and tart apples, it enhances the flavor. Try Granny Smith and Gala apples together for the best of both worlds.
• Use Parchment Paper: Make removing these oatmeal bars from the pan a breeze by lining it with a bit of parchment paper after greasing it.

Storage Directions 

• Storing: Store these apple cinnamon oat bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze nicely in a storage container or plastic storage bag for about 30 days.
• Reheating: Microwave the bars for 30 seconds to slightly warm them. You can also serve them cold. Defrost frozen bars for about 24 hours before eating or reheating. 

Serving Suggestions

These delicious apple oatmeal bars are the perfect sweet treat that is also a great source of fiber and protein. They are gluten-free and dairy-free, but still full of flavor! These make a great snack or a dessert to enjoy with family and friends!

• These apple pie bars taste delicious topped with Rediwhip, dairy-free whipped cream, or even ice cream. You can serve the bars cold, or you can warm them slightly in the microwave. It’s like a mini piece of apple pie!
• I love apple desserts after a traditional dinner, like this shepherd’s pie with ground turkey or turkey meatloaf.
• Create a healthier Thanksgiving-style dinner with my Instant Pot turkey breast, sugar-free cranberry sauce, and gluten-free stuffing, and have the apple oatmeal bars for dessert.

Homemade Apple Bar FAQs