A few weeks ago I couldn’t stop thinking about making apple-cranberry oat bars….and while I’ve made similar bars, like these banana oat ones, I’d never made this exact combination. After many different experiments/variations and multiple taste-testers (big and small), I have created a version that I deem “blog-worthy”. They are soft and chewy, flavorful and delicious and super easy to make. And without any refined sugar, they have a natural and clean tasting sweetness to them. I love them as a quick breakfast in the morning, Audrey loves them as her afternoon snack, and my husband loves them pretty much every time he walks past the kitchen.
This Recipe Is:
- Loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals
- Perfect for babies, toddlers and kids
- A great first finger food
- Delicious for breakfast or snack-time
- Portable
- Vegan and Gluten-Free
- Easy to make
- Local and seasonal
Apple-Cranberry Oat Bars
Serves: Makes 16 (2") square bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted*
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole oats (gluten free, if necessary)
- 1 red apple, grated
- 1 tablespoon flaxmeal*
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup unsweetened dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Spray a 9 inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir in oats, apple, flax, cinnamon, salt and ginger. Mix in cranberries.
- Spread mixture evenly into pan; bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
* If you don't have coconut oil, you can use melted butter.
* If you don't have flax meal, use 1 egg instead and reduce applesauce amount to ¼ cup.
* If you don't have flax meal, use 1 egg instead and reduce applesauce amount to ¼ cup.
Do these freeze well? They look delicious!
Yes, absolutely!