Rustic Apple Walnut Oat Bars
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
Dry Ingredients:
- Rolled Oats: 1 ½ cups (150 g)
- Walnuts: 1 cup (90 g), chopped
- Cocoa Powder (Optional): 1 tablespoon
Wet Ingredients:
- Apples: 2 medium, peeled and grated
- Water: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon
- Coconut Oil or Melted Butter: ¼ cup (60 ml)
Spices:
- Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prep Time
- Preparation: Allocate around 15 minutes to gather, measure, and prepare the ingredients. Peel and grate the apples and chop the walnuts into small pieces.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped walnuts, and cocoa powder (if using). Stir to distribute evenly.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix grated apples, water, maple syrup, coconut oil or melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until the oats and walnuts are fully coated and the mixture starts to stick together.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Transfer to Baking Pan: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center feels set.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars. This ensures the bars hold their shape.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice the cooled mixture into 6-8 bars. Serve as-is for a snack, or drizzle with additional maple syrup or melted chocolate for a touch of indulgence.
Timing Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 6 g