Two-Ingredient Applesauce Bars Made Easy

These 2-Ingredient Applesauce Bars are a quick and healthy snack that packs a delightful apple flavor, thanks to the unsweetened applesauce. They’re perfect for busy days, whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast or a wholesome treat for your kids. With just two main ingredients, this recipe is simple enough for any home cook to whip up, making it a great addition to your everyday meal rotation. Plus, the optional cinnamon adds a warm spice note that enhances the overall taste.

Why This Recipe Is Helpful

• Minimal ingredients mean you can easily make these bars with pantry staples.
• They’re naturally sweetened with applesauce, making them a healthier alternative to sugary snacks.
• Quick to prepare and bake, allowing for a convenient baking option for busy days.

Best For

These bars are great for families looking for nutritious snacks, as well as anyone wanting a quick energy boost between meals.

Be Careful If

If you’re watching your sugar intake, keep in mind that while the bars contain no added sugars, they’re primarily composed of fruit.

Ingredients

• 300 g unsweetened applesauce (approximately 1 ¼ cups)
• 180 g rolled oats (approximately 2 cups)
• Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon

Ingredient Notes

• Unsweetened Applesauce: Provides natural sweetness and moisture, crucial for texture.
• Rolled Oats: Offers fiber and helps bind the bars together; quick oats can be substituted but may yield a different texture.
• Cinnamon: Optional but enhances flavor; consider adding nutmeg or vanilla for extra warmth.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish (approximately 8×8 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the applesauce and rolled oats, mixing well. If using, add the cinnamon and stir it in.
3. Allow the mixture to soak for 10 minutes. This helps the oats absorb moisture and soften.
4. Line a small baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. Press the mixture evenly into the lined dish.
5. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden and the center is firm.
6. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely in the dish.
7. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

Pro Tips

• For an added crunch, consider folding in some nuts or seeds before baking.
• Let the bars cool completely to ensure they hold their shape when cut.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Lighter Swaps

• For a lower-calorie option, consider using unsweetened applesauce made from blended pears or other fruits, but the original version works best for flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes

• Not allowing the mixture to soak adequately may result in a dry bar.
• Pressing the mixture too lightly into the baking dish can lead to crumbliness.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own or served with a dollop of yogurt or nut butter for added protein.

Storage Instructions

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for a week.

Reheating Tips

These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but can be reheated quickly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 140
Protein: 3 g
Carbs: 28 g
Fat: 1 g
Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: American
Course: Snack
Calories: 140

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, though the texture may differ.

How long do these bars last?
They can be stored at room temperature for three days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits.

This recipe for applesauce bars is not only simple but offers flexibility and nutritious benefits. They’re definitely worth making for a quick, healthy snack!

Print Recipe

2-Ingredient Applesauce Bars

These quick and healthy 2-Ingredient Applesauce Bars are perfect for busy days, providing a delightful apple flavor and nutritious snacking option.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Applesauce Bars, Easy Baking, Healthy Snack, Nutritious Treat, Quick Recipe

Servings: 8 bars

Calories: 140kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 300 g unsweetened applesauce Provides natural sweetness and moisture, crucial for texture.
• 180 g rolled oats Offers fiber and helps bind the bars together; quick oats can be substituted but may yield a different texture.
• 1 tsp cinnamon Optional but enhances flavor; consider adding nutmeg or vanilla for extra warmth.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
• In a mixing bowl, combine the applesauce and rolled oats, mixing well. If using, add the cinnamon and stir it in.
• Allow the mixture to soak for 10 minutes. This helps the oats absorb moisture and soften.
• Line a small baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. Press the mixture evenly into the lined dish.

Baking

• Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden and the center is firm.
• Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely in the dish.
• Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

Notes

For an added crunch, consider folding in some nuts or seeds before baking. Let the bars cool completely to ensure they hold their shape when cut. Store leftover bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. For a lower-calorie option, consider using unsweetened applesauce made from blended pears or other fruits, but the original version works best for flavor and texture. Not allowing the mixture to soak adequately may result in a dry bar, and pressing the mixture too lightly into the baking dish can lead to crumbliness.