Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan)
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or melted butter
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Apple Mixture:
- 2 medium-large apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (prevents browning)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ⅓ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (for extra nutrition)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or a bit of coconut oil.
- Prepare the apples: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the oat mixture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Stir with a whisk or fork until everything is evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, ⅓ cup maple syrup, milk, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine everything: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until all the oats are moistened and the mixture is well combined. Fold in the prepared apple mixture (including any juices that accumulated in the bowl). If using nuts or dried fruit, fold them in now.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and press it down gently to compact it slightly. This helps the bars hold together better after baking.
- Optional topping: For a prettier presentation, you can arrange a few extra apple slices on top and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set (it should spring back lightly when touched). The bars will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake or they’ll be dry.
- Cool completely: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. For the cleanest slices, let them cool completely—about 1-2 hours. The bars need time to set and firm up.
- Slice and serve: Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into 12 or 16 bars (depending on your preferred size). Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the neatest slices.
- Enjoy: Serve the bars at room temperature, chilled, or warmed up. They’re delicious on their own or with a dollop of yogurt, nut butter, or a drizzle of additional maple syrup!
Notes
Don’t skip the parchment paper: This makes removal SO much easier and prevents sticking.
Apple prep matters: Dice apples into small, uniform pieces (about ½-inch) so they distribute evenly and soften properly during baking.
Let them cool completely: This is crucial! Warm bars will crumble when cut. Patience pays off with clean, beautiful slices.
Storage is key: Store in an airtight container. They’ll last longer in the fridge but can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Texture preference: For chewier bars, bake for 40 minutes. For firmer, more structured bars, bake the full 45 minutes.
Sweetness level: These bars are mildly sweet. If you prefer sweeter bars, add an extra 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the wet ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (recipe cut into 12 bars)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg