Name: Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup peeled and grated apples; ½ cup nut butter (almond or peanut); ¼ cup maple syrup or honey; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt

Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, these Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars are a wholesome and cozy way to start your morning. Packed with tender apple bits, hearty oats, and warm cinnamon, each bite is like a hug in bar form. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or simply craving a comforting breakfast treat, these bars check all the boxes.

They’re naturally sweetened and incredibly satisfying without being overly heavy. Plus, they travel well—ideal for lunchboxes, commutes, or a post-workout snack. Enjoy them warm out of the oven or chilled straight from the fridge. Either way, they deliver that classic apple-cinnamon combo we all know and love.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bar

Naturally Sweet: With apple and a touch of maple syrup or honey, no refined sugar needed.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping a batch and enjoying all week.
Wholesome & Filling: Made with whole oats and nut butter for fiber and protein.
Versatile: Great as a breakfast, snack, or even a healthy dessert option.
Cozy Flavors: The combination of cinnamon and apple is comforting and crowd-pleasing.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the baking, having the right tools makes this process smoother and ensures the best texture in your breakfast bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Mixing Bowls: One large for combining dry ingredients and one medium for wet.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for mixing without overworking the batter.
8×8-inch Baking Dish: The ideal size to give your bars a nice thickness and chewy texture.
Parchment Paper: Helps lift the bars cleanly out of the dish for easy slicing.
Box Grater or Food Processor: Needed for shredding the apple finely so it bakes evenly.

Each tool plays a role: parchment keeps sticking at bay, the baking dish ensures even baking, and the grater helps incorporate apple seamlessly. A little prep upfront goes a long way to make this recipe a breeze.

Ingredients for the Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars

Here’s a breakdown of each key ingredient and its role in these delicious breakfast bars:

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The backbone of the bars, providing a hearty texture and plenty of fiber.
Fresh Apples (peeled and grated): Adds natural sweetness and moisture while delivering that classic apple flavor.
Nut Butter (almond or peanut): Binds everything together and adds protein and healthy fats.
Maple Syrup or Honey: A natural sweetener that brings warmth and complements the cinnamon.
Egg: Helps hold the bars together, providing structure.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds that warm, spiced flavor essential for a fall-inspired bite.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle, aromatic touch.
Baking Powder: Lifts the bars slightly so they aren’t too dense.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making them pop.

How To Make the Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry components.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the grated apples, nut butter, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture.

Step 5: Spread and Smooth

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and smooth out the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is set and golden. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before lifting it out and slicing into bars.

How to Serve and Store Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars

These bars are best served slightly warm, either fresh from the oven or gently reheated in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of almond milk. For an extra treat, drizzle with a little extra maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.

To store, let the bars cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in parchment and foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the microwave before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these bars vegan?

You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes) and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats work in a pinch but the texture will be softer and less chewy.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their texture and add a nice balance of sweetness.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional, but removing the skin creates a smoother texture and blends better into the batter.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, and raisins offer extra sweetness and texture.

Are these gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

Want More Breakfast Ideas?

If these Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars hit the spot, here are more delicious breakfast options that might become your next go-to:

Try these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins for a fluffy, bakery-style bite.
Our Easy Fluffy Blueberry Muffin Recipe delivers juicy berries and soft centers.
Need something cozy? These Amish Applesauce Cake slices are full of warm, homey flavor.
For a fruity crunch, go with the Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips.
And for weekend indulgence, don’t miss the Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can revisit it whenever you need a wholesome morning bite.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use almond or peanut butter? Any extra spices or swaps?

I love hearing how you personalize these bakes. If you’re looking for more fresh ideas, follow me over on Pinterest @Americanrecipesbyheart where I post my daily creations straight from the Kitchen By Kate.

Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars

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Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9 bars

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Description

These Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars are a cozy, make-ahead breakfast idea made with rolled oats, fresh apples, and warm cinnamon. Perfect for on-the-go mornings, these healthy bars are naturally sweetened, gluten-free (if using certified oats), and packed with flavor. Great for fall or any time you crave a wholesome snack.