3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars

Name: 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; 6 tbsp natural peanut butter; 2 cups rolled oats

Published: December 27, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just three main ingredients, you can whip up these bars in no time.
Healthy Option: Packed with oats and applesauce, these bars offer a nutritious alternative to store-bought snacks.
Versatile Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits to customize the flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, lunchboxes, or an afternoon treat, these bars are suitable for all times of the day.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the chewy texture and sweet taste, making them a great snack option for little ones.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking pan (8×8 inch)
Parchment paper
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space for combining ingredients thoroughly without splatter.
Baking pan: Using an 8×8 inch baking pan ensures even cooking and easy cutting into squares.
Parchment paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the bars after baking without sticking.
Spatula: A spatula helps in spreading the batter evenly across the pan for consistent thickness.

Ingredients

Soft and chewy apple oatmeal bars. These easy bars are great for breakfast, snack or dessert.

For the Bars

1 cup (251 g) unsweetened applesauce
6 tbsp (100 g) unsweetened natural peanut butter
2 cups (175 g) rolled oats

How to Make 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8 inch by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine unsweetened applesauce and natural peanut butter. Stir until fully mixed and smooth in consistency.

Step 3: Add Oats

Add rolled oats into the mixture. Stir until all oats are evenly coated. If you wish to include any mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits, add them now.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across and smooth out the surface. Bake for about 13-15 minutes or until set. Let cool completely before removing from the pan. Cut into bars and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge or freezer.

Now you have delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars ready for any occasion!

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars

These soft and chewy apple oatmeal bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a quick breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Breakfast with Yogurt

Serve the bars warm or at room temperature with a dollop of your favorite yogurt on top. The creaminess of yogurt complements the chewy texture of the bars.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

Cut the oatmeal bars into smaller pieces and serve them alongside sliced bananas, berries, or apples for a refreshing breakfast option that adds more nutrients.

Nut Butter Spread

For an extra boost of flavor, spread a thin layer of almond or cashew butter on top of each bar. This adds richness and helps keep you full longer.

Drizzle with Honey

A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can enhance the sweetness of the bars. This is particularly great if you prefer a sweeter treat.

Pack for On-the-Go Snacks

These bars are perfect for taking on road trips or busy days. Just wrap them individually in parchment paper, and they’re ready to go!

Dessert Option

Enjoy these oatmeal bars as a dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. The combination is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars

Making the perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars is easy with a few smart tips. Here’s how you can elevate these delicious treats.

Use ripe applesauce: Ensure that your applesauce is fresh and flavorful for the best taste. Homemade applesauce can add an extra special touch.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter bars, consider adding a little honey or maple syrup to the mix before baking. This will enhance the overall sweetness without compromising healthiness.
Mix-ins matter: Get creative by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to your mixture. This not only adds flavor but also boosts the nutritional profile of your bars.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your bars while they bake. They should be set but still slightly soft when you take them out of the oven for optimal chewiness.
Cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool fully before cutting ensures they hold their shape better and makes them easier to handle.

Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars

These apple oatmeal bars pair well with several side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

Fresh Fruit Salad
A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits enhances freshness and adds natural sweetness to your meal.
Nutty Trail Mix
Combine nuts and dried fruit for a crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the chewy texture of the oatmeal bars.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a filling dish that provides protein and probiotics alongside your bars.
Vegetable Sticks & Hummus
Crisp veggies paired with hummus make for a healthy side that balances out the sweetness of the oatmeal bars.
Smoothie Bowl
Blend up your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with seeds and nuts; it’s refreshing and nutritious!
Cottage Cheese
A serving of cottage cheese offers protein and pairs well with fruit slices, making it a satisfying side choice.
Energy Balls
Homemade energy balls made from oats, nut butter, and seeds provide another healthy snack option that complements your meal perfectly.
Chia Seed Pudding
Creamy chia seed pudding can be flavored in various ways and offers added fiber along with deliciousness!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that could affect the final results. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

Skipping the Parchment Paper: Not lining your baking pan can lead to sticking, making it hard to remove the bars. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can create tough bars. Stir just until all ingredients are combined for a soft texture.
Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cooking time. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) for best results.
Not Letting Them Cool: Cutting the bars while they are warm can cause them to crumble. Be patient and let them cool completely before slicing.
Using Sweetened Applesauce: Sweetened applesauce can make the bars overly sweet. Opt for unsweetened varieties for better flavor balance.
Forgetting Mix-Ins: Many love adding nuts or dried fruits. Don’t forget to add these during mixing for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge.
They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and heat the bars for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars.

Can I customize my 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars?

You can absolutely customize these bars! Consider adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for additional texture and flavor.

How long do 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars last?

These bars will last up to one week in the refrigerator when stored properly. For longer storage, freeze them!

Are these oatmeal bars healthy?

Yes! The 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars are packed with fiber from oats and applesauce, making them a nutritious choice for snacks or breakfast.

Can I use other nut butters?

Yes! Feel free to substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter based on your preference.

Are these suitable for kids?

Definitely! These apple oatmeal bars are soft, chewy, and easy to hold, making them great snacks for kids of all ages.

Final Thoughts

These 3 Ingredient Apple Oatmeal Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a tasty snack, or even as a dessert. Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or fruits to make them your own!

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