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    Home » Breakfast

    Healthy Apple Oatmeal Bars

    November 7, 2023 by Chrissy Carroll 19 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Looking for a fun apple treat to make this season? Try these healthy apple oatmeal bars! You’ll love the combo of sweet apples, aromatic cinnamon, and hearty whole grain oats. These bars are great to enjoy for breakfast or as a snack. Try them topped with a little vanilla yogurt (Greek or plant-based) for a flavor combo similar to apple pie ‘n ice cream.

    Note: This post was first published in 2016. It has been updated in 2023 with new images and content.

    A healthy apple oatmeal bar topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

    Ingredient Notes

    Here’s a photo of all the ingredients you’ll need. This recipe has two layers; let’s start with the ingredients for the base layer:

    Banana, oats, coconut oil, maple syrup, applesauce, powdered peanut butter, salt, and vanilla extract.

    And here are the ingredients for the top layer:

    Oats, lemon, apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, and chia seeds.

    Here are some selected ingredient notes you may find helpful:

    • Chia seeds – Cha, cha, cha, chia! These little seeds are nutritional powerhouses, offering both fiber and healthy fats. You can usually find them in the natural section of the grocery store, and they’re also easy to find online on Amazon.
    • Powdered peanut butter – This offers the slightest hint of peanut butter flavor and adds a little extra protein to the base.
    • Banana – Use an overripe banana for this recipe; it should have lots of brown spots. This adds moisture to the base and tastes slightly sweeter. (Side note – if you’ve got extra browning bananas, definitely try these olive oil banana muffins – they’re so good!).

    Instructions

    You’ll find the full recipe amounts and instructions in the recipe card below, but here’s a helpful overview with photos and tips.

    Start by making the base. Mash banana in a large mixing bowl, then add the maple syrup, applesauce, coconut oil, and vanilla.

    Banana, maple syrup, applesauce, coconut oil, and vanilla mixed together in a glass bowl.

    Add the oats, powdered peanut butter, and salt to the bowl, and stir well.

    All of the ingredients for the base mixed together in a glass mixing bowl.

    Press the base mixture into a lightly greased 8×8 pan, and bake that at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

    Meanwhile, prepare the topping. Mix all the ingredients for the topping in a large mixing bowl.

    All of the topping ingredients for apple oatmeal bars in a large mixing bowl.

    When the base is done baking, pour the topping ingredients on, and press the mixture evenly onto the base. Place that back in the oven, and bake for another 15 minutes.

    When it’s done, let it cool completely in the baking dish.

    Just-baked healthy apple oatmeal bars in an 8x8 baking dish.

    Then you can cut it into nine squares. I like to just cut it and leave it in the baking dish, and cover that with plastic wrap to store in the fridge.

    Note that these bars aren’t super solid like granola bars, so you won’t be able to grab one with your hand and eat it on the go. It’s something you’ll want to put on a plate and eat with a fork. And while you can eat them warm or cold, I definitely prefer them popped in the microwave for about 15 seconds if they’ve been stored in the fridge. 

    A healthy apple breakfast bar on a white plate next to a fork, napkin, apples, and baking dish.

    My very favorite way to eat them is to top them with a big scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt.  Together it is very reminiscent of the apple pie and ice cream combo, but in a much healthier way.  If you follow a vegan diet, feel free to use a plant-based yogurt as an optional topping!

    Recipe FAQ

    Here are some common questions that may come up as you’re preparing this recipe:

    How should you store apple oatmeal bars?

    Store these in the refrigerator, either by covering the original cooled baking dish with plastic wrap, or by placing the squares in an airtight container. Enjoy within 4-5 days.

    How can you make gluten free apple oatmeal bars?

    Choose certified gluten free oats. While oats are naturally gluten free, many are subject to contamination during growth and processing, so looking for a certified gluten free label is important.

    Can you use different fruits in oatmeal bars?

    Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or pears.

    Nutrition Benefits

    As a dietitian, I love this recipe because it combines wholesome foods into a tasty and versatile dish. These can be meal prepped ahead of time on Sunday, and then enjoyed as you please throughout the week.

    For all my active readers – these bars provide healthy carbohydrates to help fuel your fitness, along with fiber to help with digestive health and blood sugar control.

    If you’re planning to eat this at a meal rather than for a snack, you can combine them with a source of protein for a balanced option (like adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on top, or pairing them with another protein-rich breakfast item).

    These bars are also a good source of magnesium and zinc, both of which are key minerals that folks may fall short on.

    Overhead shot of an apple oatmeal bar topped with Greek yogurt, on a plate next to a napkin and apples.

    More Apple Recipes

    If you’re looking for more tasty apple recipes to make this fall, be sure to give one of these better-for-you options a try:

    • Honey apple crisp
    • Lower sugar vegan apple muffins
    • Cranberry apple breakfast quinoa
    • Air fryer baked apples
    • Chicken apple meatballs

    I hope you enjoy these apple breakfast or snack bars! If you get a chance to try them, feel free to leave a recipe rating or comment below.

    A healthy apple oatmeal bar topped with a dollop of yogurt on a white plate.

    Apple Oatmeal Bars

    Snacking in Sneakers
    These healthy apple oatmeal bars are the perfect sweet treat for breakfast or snack time!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9 bars
    Calories 181 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the base:

    • 1 ripe banana, mashed
    • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
    • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, softened
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten free if needed)
    • 2 tablespoons powdered peanut butter
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    For the topping:

    • ½ cup rolled oats (certified gluten free if needed)
    • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 3 small apples, peeled and sliced (or 2 medium-large apples)
    • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • 1 lemon, juiced

    Optional for serving:

    • Vanilla yogurt (Greek or vegan)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients for the base: mashed banana, maple syrup, applesauce, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
    • Add the oats, powdered peanut butter, and salt (for the base) to the bowl, and stir well.
    • Press the base into the greased baking dish, and bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, mix all the ingredients for the topping: oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, sliced apples, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
    • When the base is done baking, add the topping and press down into base. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
    • Remove from oven, let cool in the baking dish, and cut into 9 squares. If desired, serve with a scoop of vanilla yogurt (Greek or vegan). Store leftovers in the fridge.

    Notes

    • This recipe is easily made gluten free by choosing certified gluten free oats.
    • The base and topping for this recipe is vegan. If you follow a vegan diet and choose to top this with yogurt, be sure to choose a plant-based yogurt. If you do not follow a vegan diet, I recommend Greek yogurt for the added protein as a topping.
    • These apple oatmeal bars will hold together in their shape on a plate, but are not meant to be picked up and eaten by hand (they may crumble). Serve on a plate and eat with a fork.
     
    Nutrition analysis (approximate per bar, does not include optional yogurt topping): 181 calories, 4 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 80 mg sodium, 34 g carbohydrate, 4.5 g fiber, 14 g sugar, 6.5 g added sugar, 4 g protein, Vitamin D: 0%, Calcium: 3%, Iron: 8%, Potassium: 4%, Magnesium: 11%, Zinc: 10%

    Nutrition

    Calories: 181kcal
    Keyword healthy apple breakfast bars, healthy apple oatmeal bars
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Feel free to pin this post to save for later!

    A healthy apple oatmeal bar on a white plate with some apples and a baking dish in the background, with a text overlay with the name of the recipe.
    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
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    Comments

    1. GiGi Eats

      November 8, 2016 at 6:44 pm

      Heaven! These look like ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY HEAVEENNNNNN!!!!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        November 10, 2016 at 7:37 pm

        Thanks Gigi! Hope you get a chance to make ’em.

        Reply
    2. abbey

      November 9, 2016 at 12:14 am

      I currently have all these ingredients at the moment, so I will def be trying these tasty bars our this weekend, thanks for sharing!!!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        November 10, 2016 at 7:37 pm

        Yay! Enjoy Abbey!

        Reply
    3. Carmy

      November 9, 2016 at 12:25 am

      I love apple pie so I’m totally down to make this!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        November 10, 2016 at 7:37 pm

        Go for it Carmy! Let me know what ya think. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Ilka

      November 9, 2016 at 11:04 am

      These apple pie bars are beautiful Chrissy! Quality ingredients and so much yumminess!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        November 10, 2016 at 7:38 pm

        Thank you so much! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Cassandra @ Powered By BLING

      November 9, 2016 at 10:38 pm

      Those look so ooey gooey and yummy! What a great way to start the day

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        November 10, 2016 at 7:38 pm

        Hope you get a chance to try ’em out soon!

        Reply
    6. girl stuff

      November 14, 2016 at 8:34 pm

      Wow these look tasty! I’ve got all the ingredients except chia seeds, and those have gotten so trendy that both of the grocery stores near my house sell them. looks like there are some apple bars in my future!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        November 16, 2016 at 7:42 pm

        Thank you! Chia seeds are so easy to find these days compared to a few years ago. I usually buy mine at ALDI!

        Reply
    7. Barbara J. Silverman

      November 28, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      I I have read you post a week and made it last weekend. It’s so nice for me because I’m Vegan. But I only used 3 tbsp syrup because I don’t like sweet so much. Thanks for sharing this receipt <3

      Reply
    8. Richard Friesen

      December 6, 2016 at 9:45 am

      Look at the incredible photos! they look just so tastyyyyyyy.
      I must definitely give it a try. Thank u so much!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        December 8, 2016 at 9:06 am

        Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy them.

        Reply
    9. Tharp

      July 22, 2017 at 2:55 pm

      There is a peanut allergy at my house. Can you make the recipe without or is the a replacement option. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 25, 2017 at 7:02 pm

        Hi there! I think you could make it without the powdered peanut butter. If the consistency looks too mushy, I might add another tablespoon or so of oats to adjust, but I don’t think it’ll make a huge difference to leave the PB out.

        Reply
        • Tharp

          July 30, 2017 at 10:49 pm

          Thanks for the help

          Reply
          • Chrissy Carroll

            August 4, 2017 at 4:08 pm

            No problem!

            Reply

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    Welcome to Snacking in Sneakers! That's me, Chrissy, and I'm here to share all my favorite fitness, food, & wellness stories & tips. I'm a dietitian, personal trainer, runner, triathlon coach, foodie, not-so-extreme couponer, and all around fun lovin' gal.

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