Baked Apple Banana Oatmeal Bars with Nuts and Dried Fruit
These soft, chewy bars are naturally sweetened, filled with wholesome oats, fruit, and nuts, and make the perfect breakfast or snack. They’re full of comforting flavor, easy to make, and freezer-friendly!
Ingredients:
- 85 g old-fashioned oats (blended into flour)
- 2 medium apples (about 200 g), peeled and chopped
- 80 ml hot water
- 1 ripe banana (about 120 g), mashed
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 1 Tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 50 g raisins, rinsed and drained
- 50 g dried cranberries, rinsed and drained
- 40 g chopped walnuts
- 2 tsp honey (for drizzling)
- Optional: Fresh lemon slices and Greek yogurt for serving
Equipment:
- 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Fork or masher
Instructions:
- Prep oven & pan:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2 cm overhang. - Make oat flour:
Blend oats until fine. Transfer to a mixing bowl. - Make apple purée:
Blend chopped apples with hot water until smooth. Add to oat flour. - Combine wet ingredients:
Stir in mashed banana, beaten eggs, yogurt, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix gently. - Add mix-ins:
Fold in raisins, cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Do not overmix. - Assemble:
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Drizzle honey over the top in a zigzag. - Bake:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and set. A toothpick should come out clean or with moist crumbs. - Cool & cut:
Let cool for 15 minutes, lift out using the parchment, and cut into 9–12 squares.
Nutritional Info (Per Bar, Based on 9 Bars):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Health Benefits:
- Oats: Rich in soluble fiber for heart and gut health.
- Banana & Apple: Naturally sweet, full of vitamins and potassium.
- Nuts & Dried Fruit: Offer protein, iron, and healthy fats.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds calcium and probiotics.
- Low added sugar: Just a drizzle of honey — no refined sugar needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick prep (under 15 mins)
- Naturally sweet and chewy
- Freezes well
- Great for kids and adults
- No refined flour or sugar
- Easy to adapt for allergies or preferences
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with Greek yogurt & fresh berries
- Pair with tea or coffee
- Warm with honey or maple syrup drizzle
- Pack in lunchboxes or for hikes
❓ Top Q&A
Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A: Yes, but they’ll yield a softer, less chewy bar. If using, reduce the water slightly since quick oats absorb more.
Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free or dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use certified gluten-free oats and swap the yogurt for coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
Q3: Why do I rinse the dried fruit?
A: Rinsing removes surface sugars and preservatives, giving a cleaner taste and preventing overly sticky texture.
Q4: Can I add extra protein or fiber?
A: Yes! Add up to 30 g of unflavored protein powder to the oat flour. For fiber, stir in 1–2 Tbsp of ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
Q5: How do I store or freeze them?
A: Wrap individual bars in parchment and store at room temp for 3 days, in the fridge for 5, or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently if desired.