Is there anything more comforting than the smell of warm apples and cinnamon in the morning?
These Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars are quick to prep, great for meal prep, and taste like a slice of apple pie in every bite!
Whether you’re trying to make mornings less chaotic, avoid sugary cereals, or pack a kid-approved snack, these bars check all the boxes.
With oats, real apples, cinnamon spice, and just the right amount of sweetness, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make these sooner!
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
These breakfast bars combine that nostalgic flavor with healthy, real-food ingredients to create a breakfast or snack that the whole family can feel good about eating.
Here’s why you’ll keep this recipe in your weekly rotation:
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
- Made with whole grain oats and real fruit
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey
- Ideal for meal prep, grab-and-go snacks, or lunchbox treats
- Can easily be made vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
These breakfast bars come together with simple pantry and fridge staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best chewy texture. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but avoid steel-cut oats.
- Apples: Choose firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Dice them small for even distribution.
- Cinnamon: The key flavor element—don’t skimp on this warm spice.
- Nut butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and helps bind the bars. You can use almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Maple syrup or honey: Naturally sweetens the bars without refined sugar.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor.
- Egg or flax egg: Acts as a binder. Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) to make the bars vegan.
- Optional add-ins: Raisins, chopped nuts, chia seeds, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars (Step-by-Step)
These bars are incredibly easy to throw together—no mixer needed!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the egg (or flax egg), maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Combine and fold: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples and any optional add-ins.
- Bake: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. This helps them firm up and hold together.
Tips for the Best Texture & Flavor
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Don’t overmix the batter—just enough to combine the ingredients.
- For extra softness, add 1/4 cup applesauce to the mix.
- Add a crumble topping of oats, cinnamon, and a touch of butter or coconut oil for bakery-style bars.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These bars are incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve and store them:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with a dollop of yogurt, a smear of nut butter, or enjoy plain on-the-go.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Apple Cinnamon Bar Variations to Try
This recipe is a great base to customize. Try these fun twists:
- Vegan: Use a flax egg and plant-based milk.
- Protein boost: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or mix Greek yogurt into the wet ingredients.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or coconut oil instead of nut butter.
- Dessert-style: Add a drizzle of glaze or chocolate chips for a treat-worthy version.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?
Yes. Replace half the chopped apples with applesauce for a softer, more moist texture.
Can I freeze these breakfast bars?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
What kind of apples work best?
Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are ideal.
Easy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars (Healthy & Delicious)
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats old-fashioned
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg or 1 flax egg for vegan option
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup almond butter or any nut/seed butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk dairy or non-dairy
- 1 ¼ cups diced apples peeled or unpeeled, your choice
Optional:
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts raisins, or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Combine mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in apples: Add the diced apples and any optional add-ins like walnuts or raisins. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing into 9 bars.