Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a wholesome, delicious snack that perfectly balances sweet and spice, this Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe is calling your name. Bursting with the cozy flavors of cinnamon and tender dried apples, these bars bring a lovely crunch paired with chewy, nutty goodness that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, craving an afternoon pick-me-up, or need a quick energy boost before a workout, these homemade granola bars fit the bill beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for achieving the perfect taste, texture, and color of your Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe. Each component plays a role, from the wholesome oats giving structure to the natural sweetness of honey and dried apples enhancing every bite.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that provides both chew and fiber to keep you satisfied.
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apples: Dried fruit that brings concentrated apple sweetness and a tender chew.
- 1/2 cup almonds or walnuts (chopped): Adds a rich crunch and healthy fats that boost flavor and nutrition.
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that bind ingredients and give a delightful stickiness.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Moisture without extra sugar, enhancing softness and apple essence.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Deep, caramel notes that complement the cinnamon and apples perfectly.
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter: Creamy, nutty richness that holds the bars together and adds protein.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A fragrant note that rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and apple pie vibes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance depth.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, parchment paper makes lifting the bars out of the pan so much easier once they’re baked and cooled.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, chopped dried apples, and nuts. This combination forms the crunchy, chewy base full of texture and flavor. Tossing them together evenly helps distribute everything before adding your wet ingredients.
Step 3: Warm up the wet mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, almond butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until all ingredients are smooth and just starting to bubble. Heating them allows the sugars to dissolve and the nuts butter to meld, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze that binds everything together.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Pour the warm mixture over your dry ingredients and stir thoroughly. You want every oat, apple piece, and nut generously coated with that sticky blend. This is where everything starts turning into delicious granola bar batter ready to be shaped.
Step 5: Press and bake
Firmly press the mixture into your prepared pan using the back of a spoon or spatula. Make sure to pack it down evenly so your bars hold together well after baking. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. For softer, chewier bars choose the 20-minute mark, and if you like them with a bit of crispness on the edges, go up to 25 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and slice
Let your granola bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. This step is important because it allows the bars to set and not crumble when sliced. Once cool, cut into 10 bars and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little extra flair by sprinkling some cinnamon on top right after baking, or drizzle a bit of melted almond butter for added richness. A few extra chopped nuts on top pressed in before baking can also make for a pretty, rustic presentation that invites you to dig right in.
Side Dishes
These granola bars pair beautifully with a refreshing fruit smoothie or a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced tea for a wholesome afternoon treat. They also complement yogurt, making a balanced breakfast or snack when you’re on the go.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with a festive string for cute gift-giving or lunchbox additions. You could also layer them between wax paper and store in a mason jar for an inviting pantry display that’s easy to grab anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their chewiness. If you prefer a firmer texture, storing in the fridge is a great option and extends their life even longer.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a quick snack, just thaw a bar overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for an easy treat.
Reheating
Though delicious straight from the fridge or freezer, warming your granola bar for 10-15 seconds in the microwave can soften it up and bring out those warm apple and cinnamon aromas. Perfect for a cozy snack on a chilly day.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apples?
Fresh apples have a higher moisture content, so they may make the bars too wet and affect the texture. If you want to use fresh apples, it’s best to finely chop them, toss with a bit of flour to absorb moisture, and reduce other wet ingredients slightly.
What can I substitute if I don’t have almond butter?
Peanut butter works wonderfully here and offers a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor. You could also try sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free alternative.
Are these granola bars gluten-free?
They are gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing.
How do I make the bars crunchier?
Simply bake for the full 25 minutes to get a crispier edge, and consider adding a bit more chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Cooling completely before slicing also helps them firm up nicely.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add dried cranberries, raisins, shredded coconut, or even a handful of chocolate chips to switch things up. Just keep the total volume similar to maintain the right texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something really comforting about creating your own snack that’s both healthy and delicious, and this Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe fits that sweet spot perfectly. I hope you enjoy making these bars as much as I do—they’re perfect for sharing with friends or savoring during your moments of downtime. Give it a try and watch these irresistible bars become a pantry favorite in your home!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack, packed with rolled oats, dried apples, nuts, and a touch of cinnamon. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup and applesauce, they offer a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures. Easy to make and perfect for on-the-go, they are a nutritious and satisfying treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apples
- 1/2 cup almonds or walnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dried apples, and chopped nuts, stirring well to distribute evenly.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey (or maple syrup), unsweetened applesauce, brown sugar, almond butter (or peanut butter), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and just begins to bubble, then remove from heat.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are fully coated and combined.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula. This helps the bars hold together after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. For chewier bars, bake closer to 20 minutes; for crispier bars, bake near 25 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown when done.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan to set. Once cooled, lift out the parchment paper and slice into 10 bars.
Notes
- Adjust baking time depending on desired texture: 20 minutes for chewier bars, up to 25 minutes for crispier bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate bars for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
