Introduction:
These Gluten-Free Apple Raisin Oat Bars are a wholesome, delicious treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dessert.
They combine the natural sweetness of apples with the chewiness of raisins and oats, creating a satisfying bar that’s both nutritious and indulgent.
These bars are easy to make, packed with fiber, and are a great gluten-free option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
1/2 cup gluten-free oat flour
1/4 cup almond flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or butter
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, oat flour, almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), baking powder, and salt.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, grated apple, raisins, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil (or butter). Mix well.
Combine:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated. The mixture will be slightly thick and sticky.
Transfer to Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the bars are golden brown on top.
Cool and Slice:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or bars.
Description:
These Gluten-Free Apple Raisin Oat Bars are the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and slightly sweet.
The combination of oats and almond flour gives the bars a satisfying texture, while the raisins and grated apple add natural sweetness and moisture.
The hint of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the warm, cozy flavors, making these bars perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting, gluten-free treat.
Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack, a breakfast on-the-go, or a lunchbox treat, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.
Tips:
Storage:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Substitute Sweeteners:
You can substitute honey or maple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-carb option, though this may affect the texture.
Add-ins:
Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds), seeds (e.g., chia or flax), or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
Apple Variations:
Use any variety of apple you prefer.
Tart apples like Granny Smith will add a nice contrast to the sweetness, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala will make the bars extra sweet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Not Grating the Apple:
Grating the apple ensures it mixes evenly into the batter and helps maintain moisture in the bars.
Chunks of apple may cause uneven texture.
Overmixing:
Overmixing the batter can result in dense bars.
Stir the ingredients until just combined.
Underbaking:
Make sure to bake the bars until they are golden and set in the center.
If underbaked, they may be too soft and crumbly.
Substituting with Regular Oats: If you’re not using certified gluten-free oats, ensure that your oats are cross-contamination free, especially if you need them to be strictly gluten-free.
With these tips and adjustments, your Gluten-Free Apple Raisin Oat Bars will turn out perfectly every time!