A Bite of Autumn Comfort
I first tasted these bars at a fall farmers market. The smell of warm oats and sweet apples filled the air. I took one bite and felt instantly cozy. It was like a hug in food form. Ever wondered how to turn simple oats into something unforgettable?
My First Kitchen Surprise
My first try making these bars was messy. I forgot to wet my hands before pressing the crust. The sticky dough clung to my fingers like glue. I laughed and kept going. The final bars were still deliciously crumbly. It taught me that good food does not need to be perfect.
Why This Recipe Works
The chunky applesauce gives a moist, fruity center. The oat and coconut topping adds a satisfying crunch. These textures together create a perfect balance. It feels both wholesome and a little indulgent. Which flavor combo surprises you most, the coconut or the pecans?
A Slice of History
These bars are inspired by classic American fruit crisps. Those desserts became popular in the mid-1900s. They used simple, pantry-ready ingredients. This version is a portable, no-fuss twist on that idea. *Did you know oats have been a breakfast staple for centuries?* Share your favorite oatmeal memory below.
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SunButter Organic (or No Sugar Added) | 1/2 cup | |
| Maple syrup | 1/3 cup | sub honey |
| Coconut oil | 6 tablespoons | melted (or avocado oil) |
| Flax meal | 2 tablespoons | flax seeds ground in blender |
| Sea salt | 1/2 teaspoon | use 1/4 teaspoon if using No Sugar Added SunButter, which has salt |
| Oats | 1 3/4 cup | |
| Oat flour | 3/4 cup | whole oats ground in blender |
| Unsweetened coconut | 3/4 cup | |
| Pecans | 1/4 cup | chopped |
| Chunky applesauce | 2 cups |
Let’s Make These Easy Applesauce Oatmeal Bars
Step 1
First, heat your oven to 350º F. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper. A little oil helps the paper stay put. This makes cleanup a total breeze later.
Step 2
Grab a big mixing bowl. Combine the SunButter, maple syrup, and melted oil. Stir in the flax meal and salt. Mix it all until it looks smooth.
Step 3
Now add the dry stuff to the bowl. That’s your oats, oat flour, and coconut. Stir everything together completely. You will get a thick, sticky dough.
Step 4
Take out 3/4 cup of the dough for later. Mix chopped pecans into this small bowl. This will be your yummy crumble topping. Set it aside for now.
Step 5
Press the rest of the dough into your pan. Wet your hands to stop the sticking. Make a firm, even layer for the crust. (A hard-learned tip: wet hands are a must for pressing this sticky dough!).
Step 6
Spread the chunky applesauce over the crust. Use a spoon to make it even. This is the sweet, fruity heart of the bar.
Step 7
Crumble your reserved dough over the applesauce. Use your fingers or a fork for this. You want little clumps all over the top.
Step 8
Bake for 22-24 minutes until golden brown. Let the pan cool down completely. For perfect squares, chill them overnight first. What is the best way to press the sticky dough into the pan? Share below! Cook Time: 24 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes plus cooling
Yield: 9 bars
Category: Snack, Dessert
Three Fun Twists on This Recipe
Try these easy ideas to mix things up. They add new flavors everyone will love. Your snack time just got more exciting.Berry Blast: Swap half the applesauce for mashed raspberries. It gives a lovely pink color and tart taste.
Chocolate Chip: Stir a handful of dark chocolate chips into the dough. Because chocolate makes everything better, right?
Ginger Spice: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry mix. It gives a warm, cozy kick perfect for fall. Which creative spin would you try first? Vote in the comments!
How to Serve Your Homemade Bars
These bars are fantastic all on their own. But you can also dress them up a little. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy them. Serve a bar warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or pack one in a lunchbox with fresh apple slices. They are great any time of day. For a drink, try hot spiced apple cider. It echoes the bar’s cozy flavor. A cold glass of milk is always a classic pairing too. Which would you choose tonight: ice cream or a cold glass of milk?
Keep Your Bars Fresh & Tasty
Store cooled bars in a sealed container. They last three days on the counter. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly. They thaw quickly for a fast snack. My grandkids grab them straight from the freezer. Making a double batch is a smart move. You will always have a healthy treat ready. Why does this matter? A ready-made snack stops less healthy choices. What is your favorite make-ahead snack? Tell me in the comments.
Fix Common Baking Hiccups
Bars too crumbly? Press the base layer very firmly. Use wet hands to avoid sticking. Bars too soft? Chill them overnight before cutting. This makes them slice cleanly. Topping browning too fast? Use a light-colored metal pan. Glass pans can make edges cook quicker. A friend once used a glass dish. Her topping got very dark. She switched to metal and it worked. Why does this matter? Simple fixes save your treats and your time.
Your Questions, Answered
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats. Check all your labels to be safe.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely! They are perfect for making ahead. Refrigerate or freeze them after cooling.
What can I use instead of coconut?
Try more chopped nuts or seeds. Sunflower seeds would add a nice crunch.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13 inch pan. Just watch the baking time closely.
Can I use another nut butter?
Sure, almond butter works great too. The flavor will change a little bit.
Wrapping It Up
I hope you love these easy bars. They are a family favorite for us. I would love to see your creation. Share a picture of your kitchen success.
Tag Amelia Hartwell on Pinterest with your photos!
Happy cooking! —Amelia Hartwell.
Applesauce Oatmeal Bars Recipe for a Healthy Snack
Description
A wholesome and delicious snack bar featuring a hearty oat base, chunky applesauce filling, and a nutty crumble topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper. I first rub the pan with a little coconut oil to help the parchment paper stick well.
- In a bowl, combine the maple syrup, SunButter, lemon juice, flax meal, and sea salt. Stir well to combine.
- Into the wet ingredients, add the dry ingredients (oats, oat flour, coconut)). Stir to fully combine.
- Set aside 3/4 cup of the oatmeal cookie mixture to use as a topping. Add the chopped pecans and stir to combine.
- Press the remaining oatmeal cookie mixture into the prepared baking pan to form a bottom crust. Use wet hands or a wet pastry roller to press the cookie dough into an even layer.
- Top the oatmeal cookie layer with the chunky applesauce, spreading it in to an even layer of apple filling.
- Use a fork or wet fingers to break up the remaining cookie dough over the top of the applesauce filling into coarse crumbs.
- Bake the Applesauce Oatmeal Bars for 22-24 minutes until the edges and the oatmeal crumble topping are lightly golden brown. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature prior to slicing. For the cleanest cut bars, cover the baking pan with foil and refrigerate the bars overnight prior to slicing.
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