Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars (Print Version)

Soft bars with oats, cinnamon, and maple syrup offering a wholesome and chewy texture.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup whole wheat flour
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
08 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-Ins

11 - 1/3 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
12 - 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well incorporated.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
05 - Incorporate chopped nuts and dried fruit if desired, folding carefully to evenly distribute.
06 - Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the surface.
07 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let bars cool completely in the pan then lift out using parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They hold together perfectly in your bag without turning into sad crumbs by the time you get to work.
  • The maple and cinnamon make your kitchen smell like a cabin in autumn even if its the middle of summer.
  • You can mix the whole thing in two bowls and have them in the oven before your coffee finishes brewing.
  • Theyre naturally sweet enough that kids actually ask for them instead of sugary cereal bars.
02 -
  • Do not skip the applesauce or your bars will turn out dry and crumbly instead of soft and chewy.
  • Let them cool completely before cutting, or youll end up with a delicious mess instead of neat squares.
  • Real maple syrup makes a huge difference in flavor compared to pancake syrup, which tastes flat and overly sweet.
  • If you use coconut oil, make sure its melted and cooled slightly so it doesnt scramble the egg when you mix.
03 -
  • Press a few extra nuts or dried fruit onto the top before baking for a bakery-style finish that looks impressive.
  • Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to get perfectly neat bars instead of ragged edges.
  • If you want them a bit sweeter, brush the top with a tablespoon of warmed maple syrup right after they come out of the oven.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half so you always have homemade breakfast bars ready when life gets hectic.
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