Imagine the aroma of freshly baked oatmeal bars wafting through your home, the oats providing that heart-healthy fiber, the sweetness of natural fruits filling the air, all combined to create a snack that you can feel good about indulging in any time of the day. Whether you’re packing a midday treat for the kids, looking for a quick breakfast on-the-go, or simply craving a snack that satisfies without the guilt, this homemade Appleways Oatmeal Bars recipe is your answer.
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How to make Appleways Oatmeal Bars
Appleways Oatmeal Bars are a type of snack bar produced by Appleways. These bars are typically made with oats and often include other ingredients such as fruits, nuts, or seeds. They are designed to be convenient snacks that are portable and usually marketed as a healthier option compared to traditional snack bars due to their oat content, which provides fiber and other nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups of rolled oats (for a gluten-free version, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour (substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed)
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of cooking oil (vegetable, coconut, or your preference)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of diced dried apples (or apple chips, chopped)
- Optional: 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries, and/or nuts for additional texture and flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Combine the oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk together the wet ingredients in another bowl. Beat the egg slightly before adding the applesauce, honey or maple syrup, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the apples and add-ins. Gently mix in the diced dried apples and if desired, any additional add-ins like raisins, dried cranberries, or nuts.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to evenly press the mixture into a rectangle shape, about 3/4 inch thick. You can decide how thick or thin you want your bars to be, but remember that this may affect baking time.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The bars should feel firm when lightly touched.
- Cool completely before cutting. This is crucial as it helps the bars to set and hold together when cutting into them. Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into bars or squares of your preferred size.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize the add-ins based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Dried fruits, nuts, and seeds all make excellent mix-ins.
- If you want to lower the sugar content, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. Keep in mind that this may affect the flavor and texture.
- Proper storage is critical for maintaining freshness. Keep your oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
- If the bars are too crumbly after cooling, try chilling them in the fridge for an hour before cutting. This can help them firm up and make for cleaner slices.
What to serve with
Appleways Oatmeal Bars, with their sweet, hearty texture and wholesome ingredients, are delicious on their own, but they’re also versatile enough to be paired with a range of accompaniments. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a dessert, there are many ways to elevate the experience. Here are some detailed suggestions on what to serve with your homemade Appleways Oatmeal Bars:
For Breakfast:
- Greek Yogurt: Serve your oatmeal bar with a side of Greek yogurt for a protein-packed breakfast. The creaminess of the yogurt complements the chewy texture of the oatmeal bar.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side of fresh fruit salad can balance the denseness of the oatmeal bar, making for a well-rounded breakfast.
As a Midday Snack:
- Cheese: Pairing your oatmeal bar with a piece of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, can add a savory note that contrasts nicely with the bar’s sweetness.
- Smoothie: Blend up a fruit and vegetable smoothie to sip alongside your oatmeal bar for an energizing, nutrient-rich snack.
- Tea or Coffee: A hot cup of tea or coffee pairs wonderfully with the oatmeal bar, especially if you prefer a cozy snack. The warmth of the beverage softens the bar slightly, enhancing its flavors.
For Dessert:
- Ice Cream: Crumble an oatmeal bar over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that combines creamy sweetness with a hearty texture.
- Custard or Pudding: Serve your oatmeal bar with a side of custard or pudding for a deliciously rich dessert balanced by the oatmeal bar’s wholesomeness.
- Warm Fruit Compote: Top your oatmeal bar with a warm berry or apple compote. The slight acidity and warmth of the fruit complement the sweet, chewy oatmeal bar.
For Special Occasions:
- Charcuterie Board: Incorporate oatmeal bars into a charcuterie board as a sweet option among meats, cheeses, and fruits. They add a wholesome, hearty element to the spread.
- Wine Pairing: For an adult snack or dessert, pair an oatmeal bar with a glass of dessert wine, such as a Riesling or Moscato.
Ingredients Substitutes

When making your homemade Appleways Oatmeal Bars, you may need ingredient substitutions due to allergies, dietary preferences, or simply because you ran out of an item. Here are substitutions for several key ingredients:
Rolled Oats
- Quick Oats: If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use quick oats. Keep in mind this might change the texture slightly, making the bar softer and less chewy.
- Steel-Cut Oats: They are not recommended as a direct substitute, as they do not soften as much during baking, potentially resulting in a very hard bar.
Whole Wheat Flour
- All-Purpose Flour: Can be used one-for-one if you don’t require the recipe to be whole grain.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: A great substitute if you’re avoiding gluten. Make sure it’s a 1:1 baking blend for best results.
- Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: While these can be used instead of whole wheat flour, they absorb liquid differently. You might need to adjust liquid ingredients slightly (start with less and adjust as needed).
Brown Sugar
- Coconut Sugar: A great one-for-one substitute with a similar moisture content and sweetness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: If switching to a liquid sweetener, adjust the wet ingredients slightly to accommodate the extra liquid.
Egg
- Applesauce: An additional 1/4 cup of applesauce can replace the egg, adding extra moisture.
Unsweetened Applesauce
- Mashed Banana: Offers a similar texture and natural sweetness, though the flavor will shift to that of bananas.
- Pumpkin Puree is another good substitute that offers a different but pleasant flavor profile and maintains moisture.
Honey or Maple Syrup
- Agave Syrup: A vegan option that substitutes well in equal amounts.
- Brown Rice Syrup: Another vegan alternative, though slightly less sweet, so you might want to adjust the amount according to taste.
Cooking Oil
- Applesauce: For a lower-fat version, use an equal amount of applesauce, though this may affect the texture slightly, making the bar less crispy on the outside.
- Melted Butter or Coconut Oil: Both add distinct flavors and can make the bars slightly richer. Use one-for-one.
Dried Apples
- Other Dried Fruits: Raisins, dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots can be used instead of dried apples, offering their unique flavors to the bars.
Add-ins (Raisins, Dried Cranberries, Nuts)
- Seeds: Pumpkin, sunflower, or chia seeds can add texture and nutrients.
- Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter touch, chocolate chips or cacao nibs make a delightful addition.
Final Thoughts
By following these detailed instructions and tips, you’ll be able to create a batch of Appleways Oatmeal Bars that are delicious and convenient to eat on the go and packed with the nutritious benefits of whole grains and natural fruit.
More Oatmeal Recipes:


Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of diced dried apples
- Optional: 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Combine the oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk together the wet ingredients in another bowl. Beat the egg slightly before adding the applesauce, honey or maple syrup, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the apples and add-ins. Gently mix in the diced dried apples and if desired, any additional add-ins like raisins, dried cranberries, or nuts.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to evenly press the mixture into a rectangle shape, about 3/4 inch thick. You can decide how thick or thin you want your bars to be, but remember that this may affect baking time.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The bars should feel firm when lightly touched.
- Cool completely before cutting. This is crucial as it helps the bars to set and hold together when cutting into them. Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into bars or squares of your preferred size.