Breakfast Applesauce Bars
These wholesome breakfast applesauce bars combine natural sweetness with dried fruit and oats, making a nutritious and tasty start to your day suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, oats, baking soda, and cinnamon in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
- Mix applesauce, honey, and vanilla in a small bowl, then add to the dry ingredients.
- Stir until well combined.
- Add dried fruit, raisins, and walnuts to the mixture.
- Spray a 10 x 6 x 2-inch pan with Pam or non-stick spray.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
- Cool in the dish on a wire rack, then cut into bars.
- Store in a tightly covered container or in the freezer.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using almond flour instead of whole wheat flour for a nutty taste. If you'd like to reduce sweetness, cut back on the honey or substitute it with agave syrup. To enhance texture, try adding chopped nuts or seeds. You can also use rolled oats to make a gluten-free version, ensuring you choose certified gluten-free oats.
Serving Suggestions
These breakfast applesauce bars are perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go. Pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for added nutrition. They also pair beautifully with Orange-Sugared Pecans for a delightful crunch. Serve with a warm cup of tea or coffee to start your day off right.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover applesauce bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy them cold for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Breakfast Applesauce Bars contains roughly 334 calories, with 7g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade applesauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce can add a personal touch and may taste fresher than store-bought. Just ensure it's smooth and unsweetened to keep the balance of flavors in the bars intact. Adjust the honey if your applesauce is sweeter than expected.
What can I replace the dried mixed fruit with?
You can easily swap dried mixed fruit for any of your favorites, such as dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots. Just be mindful of the sweetness level, as different fruits may alter the overall flavor of the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark to avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).