Soft Apple Oat Bars

These soft apple oat bars are naturally sweet, warmly spiced, and perfect for an easy breakfast or satisfying wholesome snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2 medium apples, peeled and grated
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Stir in the grated apples, rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Fold in the walnuts or raisins if using.
4. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some moisture, then spread it evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden around the edges.
6. Cool completely in the pan, then lift out and slice into bars.
7. Serve as is, or enjoy with a spoonful of yogurt or nut butter on top.

Tip: For the best texture, squeeze just a little excess liquid from very juicy apples so the bars stay soft but slice cleanly.