Yummy Oatmeal Apple Squares
Sweet and hearty oatmeal apple squares combine cinnamon, apples, and raisins for a nutritious treat, perfect for breakfast or snack lovers seeking wholesome comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 c. Butter Buds liquid ⓘ
- 1 c. firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Egg Beaters (1/2 c.) ⓘ
- 1/3 c. apple juice
- 2 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour or white flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 4 c. quick oats (not instant or old-fashioned)
- 2 c. peeled and diced green apples ⓘ
- 1/2 c. raisins ⓘ
- 1 c. granulated sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch pan with Pam spray.
- Combine liquid Butter Buds, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl.
- Beat at medium speed until well blended.
- Beat in Egg Beaters, apple juice, and vanilla.
- Combine whole wheat or white flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and nutmeg.
- Mix into the creamed mixture at low speed until blended.
- Stir in oats, diced green apples, and raisins with a spoon.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a cooling rack.
- Cut into 2 1/2 x 1 1/2-inch bars.
- Makes approximately 3 1/2 dozen bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture and flavor, consider substituting half of the apple juice with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a sweeter square, you can increase the brown sugar slightly. For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. This recipe can also be adapted to make Blueberry Or Apple Muffins by using a muffin tin instead of a baking pan.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal apple squares are delicious served warm with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a side of Vidalia Onion-Cranberry Relish for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the oatmeal apple squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a square for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yummy Oatmeal Apple Squares contains roughly 133 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.
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 instant oats instead of quick oats?
It's best to avoid using instant oats in this recipe as they have a different texture and absorb moisture differently, which may affect the final product. Quick oats provide the right consistency for these squares, ensuring they hold together well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these oatmeal apple squares gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of the whole wheat or white flour. This will ensure that those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this delicious treat.
How can I make these squares more nutritious?
To enhance the nutritional value, consider adding flaxseed meal or chia seeds to the batter. You could also replace some of the granulated sugar with mashed banana or additional applesauce for natural sweetness while reducing refined sugars. This makes them suitable for a healthier snack option.
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).