Name: Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup chopped dried apples; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds); 1/4 cup ground flaxseed; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter; 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Imagine biting into a chewy, golden bar that tastes like a cozy fall morning—these Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars are exactly that blissful experience! Packed with sweet dried apples, hearty oats, warm cinnamon, and just enough honey to hold it all together, this homemade snack is the perfect balance of wholesome and delicious. Whether you need a quick breakfast, an after-school treat, or a snack for your next hike, these bars are a fantastic choice you’ll want to make again and again.

Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars is all about layering flavors and textures, and each ingredient here plays a starring role. Simple pantry staples combine to create a snack that’s satisfying, nutritious, and bursting with comforting apple-cinnamon goodness.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: The foundation of hearty texture and classic granola flavor.
Chopped dried apples: Sweet, chewy bites that bring a burst of apple in every mouthful.
Chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds): Adds crunch and richness—feel free to mix and match your favorites.
Ground flaxseed: A subtle nutty boost and a great way to sneak in some extra fiber and nutrients.
Ground cinnamon: Warm spice that perfectly complements the apples and oats.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
Almond butter or peanut butter: Adds creaminess and helps everything stick together (sunflower seed butter works for nut-free needs).
Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweetness and that signature chewy, sticky texture.
Coconut oil: Binds and moistens, with a hint of tropical flavor.
Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with a soft, fragrant finish.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting later. This simple step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup a total breeze.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the rolled oats, chopped dried apples, your choice of nuts, the ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly distributed—this way, every bite of your Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars will be packed with flavor and texture.

Step 3: Melt and Mix the Wet Ingredients

Set a small saucepan over low heat and add the almond butter (or peanut butter), honey (or maple syrup), and coconut oil. Stir gently until everything is melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that little extra aroma.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

Pour the warm, sticky wet mixture over your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated—don’t be afraid to get in there with a spatula or clean hands to make sure no dry oats are left behind.

Step 5: Press and Bake

Spoon the mixture into your prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly—using the back of a spoon or even a piece of parchment to really pack it in helps the bars hold together after baking. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. This is the hardest part—waiting! Once cool, lift the granola slab out using the parchment, then slice it into bars. Now your Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your bars with a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a scattering of chopped dried apples or nuts on top. It adds both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars with a creamy Greek yogurt, a mug of hot chai, or a crisp green apple for a snack plate that’s both satisfying and full of contrast. They also make an excellent companion to a smoothie or a fresh fruit salad for breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try wrapping individual bars in parchment and twine for a homemade gift or lunchbox treat. Stack them on a platter with sliced apples and almonds for a beautiful snack board, or crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you prefer them a bit firmer, refrigerate the bars and they’ll stay delicious for over a week.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in parchment or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you need a quick snack, just grab one and let it thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Reheating

These bars are delicious straight from the fridge or freezer, but if you like them warm, pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the texture and brings out the apple and cinnamon aromas even more.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the nuts for pumpkin seeds and use sunflower seed butter in place of almond or peanut butter. The bars will be just as tasty and safe for those with nut allergies.

Can I use fresh apples instead of dried?

Fresh apples add too much moisture and can make the bars soggy. Stick with dried apples for the right chewy texture and a longer shelf life.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife to slice. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife between each slice and use a gentle sawing motion.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a handful of shredded coconut are all delicious add-ins. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins the same so the bars hold together well.

Are these Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars gluten-free?

They can be! Simply be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give these Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars a try—they’re one of those treats that instantly make your kitchen feel warm and welcoming. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these bars are sure to become a snack-time favorite. Happy baking!

Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars Recipe

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack featuring rolled oats, dried apples, nuts, and warm cinnamon. They are naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and bind together with almond butter and coconut oil, making them perfect for a nutritious on-the-go treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped dried apples
1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dried apples, chopped nuts, ground flaxseed, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Melt Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently heat the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and coconut oil, stirring constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Add Vanilla: Stir the vanilla extract into the warm wet mixture to enhance the flavor.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are fully coated and the mixture is well combined.
Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together after baking.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into 12 bars.

Notes

For a nut-free version, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter and replace nuts with pumpkin seeds.
Add mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and flavor variety.
Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate to extend shelf life.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American