Applesauce Oatmeal Bars

The official start of my favorite season is almost here. I love everything about fall – the cool temps, the food, the colorful leaves, and the fashion. So I already got a jump on my fall baking with these easy applesauce oatmeal bars. I love baking apple and pumpkin recipes!

You make the simple crust/streusel topping with butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and oats. The food processor makes this a cinch to put together. Then spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and press half of the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Use the other half as a streusel topping, sprinkled over the applesauce mixture sandwiched between the layers.

The middle applesauce layer is so simple. It’s just applesauce mixed with some cinnamon. The result is a tasty cookie bar that tastes just like a slice of a crumb-topped apple pie. You can enjoy these bars as is or top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Either way is delicious. We actually enjoyed these apple sauce oatmeal bars the day after, when they were chilled.

I do have at least one more apple recipe headed your way! This one will be for breakfast! Pumpkin recipes aren’t too far behind, either. I already have one done.

Ingredients for Apple Oatmeal Bars

• BUTTER – Butter adds richness and helps hold the oat mixture together. It also helps the bars bake up with a tender, slightly crisp texture.
• BROWN SUGAR – Brown sugar adds sweetness and a warm, caramel-like flavor that pairs especially well with applesauce and cinnamon.
• FLOUR – All-purpose flour gives the bars structure and helps create the crumbly oat base and topping.
• CINNAMON – Cinnamon adds warm spice and brings out the apple flavor in the applesauce.
• OLD FASHIONED OATS – Old-fashioned oats add hearty texture and a little chewiness to the bars. They also give the crust and topping a rustic, crumbly texture.
• APPLESAUCE – Applesauce adds moisture, sweetness, and apple flavor to the center of the bars. Unsweetened applesauce works well if you want to keep the bars from becoming overly sweet.

Instructions for Applesauce Oatmeal Bars

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, then set aside.

Add the butter, brown sugar, and flour to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles small, pea-sized crumbs.

Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cinnamon along with the old-fashioned oats. Pulse just until the oats and cinnamon are evenly incorporated.

Transfer half of the oat mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.

In a small bowl, stir together the applesauce and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Spread the applesauce mixture evenly over the crust.

Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the applesauce layer, gently spreading it into an even layer.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.

Let the bars cool completely before slicing into 12 pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats give the bars the best hearty texture.

Should I use unsweetened or sweetened applesauce?
Either works, but unsweetened applesauce helps keep the bars from becoming too sweet.

Can I use homemade applesauce?
Yes. Homemade applesauce works well as long as it is fairly thick and not overly watery.

Do I need a food processor?
No. You can cut the butter into the flour and brown sugar with a pastry blender or fork, then stir in the oats and cinnamon.

Why are my bars falling apart?
They may not have cooled completely, or the crust may not have been pressed firmly enough into the pan. Let them cool fully before slicing.

Can I add nuts?
Yes. Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition to the oat mixture.

Can I add more spice?
Absolutely. A little nutmeg, apple pie spice, or cloves can add even more warm fall flavor.

How should I store the bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge for longer storage.

Can I freeze Applesauce Oatmeal Bars?
Yes. Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars well and freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Can I serve these warm?
Yes, but they will be softer and more difficult to cut neatly. For clean slices, cool them completely first.

Tips and Tricks

• Use cold or cool butter. Butter that is not overly soft will help the oat mixture form nice crumbs instead of turning pasty.
• Press the bottom layer firmly. Compact the first half of the oat mixture well to create a sturdy crust that holds together when sliced.
• Use thick applesauce. Very watery applesauce can make the middle too soft. If your applesauce is thin, let it drain briefly before using.
• Don’t overprocess the oats. Pulse only until combined so you keep some oat texture in the crust and topping.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This is the biggest key to getting clean, neat squares instead of crumbly pieces.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars
• Easy S’mores Bars
• Brown Butter Cadbury Egg Cookie Bars

Recipe adapted from Beyond the Chicken Coop.