Apple bars are a wonderful addition to any healthy eating regimen. They are both nutritious and delicious, satisfying your sweet tooth while providing a significant amount of fiber and valuable nutrients.

Not to mention they are incredibly easy to make and require no exotic ingredients, just regular pantry staples. Here is my go-to recipe for easy and healthy apple bars that you can enjoy as a snack, dessert, or breakfast on the go.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of rolled oats
• 1 cup of spelt flour
• 1/4 cup of coconut sugar
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups of diced apples
• 1/2 cup of chopped nuts of your choice (optional)
• 1/4 cup of cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking dish with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, spelt flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Add melted coconut oil and applesauce to the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is crumbly but sticks together when pressed with a spoon or a spatula.
4. Stir in diced apples, nuts, and berries (if using) until everything is equally distributed.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with your hands or a flat surface.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
7. Let the apple bars cool down for at least 10 minutes before slicing them into squares or bars.
8. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the greatest things about this recipe is that it is highly adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:.

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• If you don’t have spelt flour, use any other flour you prefer or have on hand.
• If you want to make the apple bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
• If coconut sugar is not your thing, use brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey instead.
• If you are not a fan of nuts, leave them out or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead.
• If you don’t have applesauce, sub it with mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, or yogurt.
• If you want your bars to be sweeter, increase the sugar/honey/maple syrup or add some chocolate chips.

Why Are These Apple Bars Healthy

Here are some nutritional benefits of the ingredients used in this recipe:.

• Oats: Rich in fiber, protein, micronutrients, and antioxidants, oats are a superfood that can help improve digestion, lower cholesterol, enhance satiety, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Spelt flour: A nutritious alternative to regular wheat flour, spelt flour contains more protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals than wheat flour, and is easier to digest for some people.
• Coconut oil: A healthy source of saturated fats and medium-chain fatty acids, coconut oil can boost metabolism, improve brain function, enhance immune system, and protect against infections and inflammation.
• Apples: Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols, apples are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. They can help regulate blood sugar, promote weight loss, lower inflammation, and support gut health.
• Cinnamon: A tasty spice with numerous health benefits, cinnamon can lower blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, fight infections, and protect against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Nuts and seeds: Rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and micronutrients, nuts and seeds can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, while improving brain function and promoting satiety.
• Dried fruits: While high in natural sugars, dried fruits like cranberries and raisins can be a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and may help prevent constipation, anemia, and inflammation.

Conclusion

Apple bars are a delicious and healthy snack that you can make in less than an hour. Packed with fiber, protein, and valuable nutrients, they can satisfy your cravings for sweets without compromising your health and waistline.

Give this easy and tasty recipe a try and enjoy the goodness of simple and wholesome ingredients!.