Name: Chewy 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 diced apples (peeled if preferred); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey; ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Craving a breakfast that’s both nourishing and feels like a treat? These Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars might just become your new morning favorite. Packed with oats, warm cinnamon, and chunks of tender apple, these bars strike the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. They’re chewy, soft, and naturally sweet—ideal for slow mornings, busy grab-and-go routines, or even a midday snack.

What makes them truly shine is their versatility. Whether you’re baking a batch to meal prep your breakfasts for the week or whipping them up as a healthy after-school snack, they keep beautifully and taste even better the next day. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the delicious details, gather these key kitchen tools to make the process seamless and efficient:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two sizes—one for dry ingredients and one for wet. Mixing separately helps with even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for gently folding the wet and dry mixtures together without overmixing.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking, especially with spices and wet-to-dry ratios.
8×8 or 9×9 Baking Pan: This ensures even thickness and chewy texture. You can line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Knife & Peeler: If you’re using fresh apples, a sharp knife and a good peeler make the prep faster and safer.
Oven: A reliable oven is a must, and be sure it’s properly preheated for even baking.

With everything ready and your kitchen smelling of cinnamon soon, you’re all set to begin the baking magic.

Ingredients for the Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars

Each ingredient in these bars plays a specific and important role in making them chewy, flavorful, and nourishing:

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: They form the base and provide structure while keeping the bars chewy.
Apples (diced): Fresh apple chunks add moisture, natural sweetness, and pockets of fruity softness in every bite.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that defines the entire flavor profile—inviting and cozy.
Nutmeg (optional): Adds depth and a hint of spiced warmth.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Natural sweeteners that enhance the apple and spice flavors while keeping things refined sugar-free.
Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: These bind the ingredients and give richness, healthy fats, and a soft texture.
Eggs: Essential for holding everything together and adding protein.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness with a smooth aromatic note.
Baking Powder: Gives the bars a little lift without making them cake-like.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

How To Make the Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Peel and dice the apples into small chunks. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), baking powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), nut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Fold Everything Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the diced apples gently to avoid breaking them up too much.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares or bars.

How to Serve and Store Your Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars

Once baked and cooled, these bars are ready to serve as-is. They’re perfect slightly warm for a soft bite or chilled for a firmer, grab-and-go option. Pair them with Greek yogurt for a protein boost or crumble one over your morning oatmeal for added texture and apple-cinnamon flavor.

For storage, place the bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or a full week when refrigerated. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just wrap each bar individually and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples work best?

Go for firm and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They hold up well during baking and provide a balance to the sweeteners.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but if you like a bit more chew and fiber, keeping the peel on works too.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the texture will be softer and less structured. Rolled oats are best for a chewy, satisfying bite.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The edges should be golden and pulling slightly away from the pan. The center should feel set but soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.

Can I add nuts or seeds?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds add crunch and nutrition. Just fold them in with the apples.

Want More Apple Breakfast Ideas?

If apple-forward breakfast treats are your thing, I’ve got a few more ideas you’ll love. Try the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake for something soft and streusel-topped, or check out Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples for a spoonable warm treat you can pair with anything from oatmeal to toast.

Need something with a brunch feel? The Apple Enchiladas bring cozy flavors wrapped in tortillas—great for entertaining or treating yourself. Or explore the Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe, which plays with similar spiced comfort in a sliceable loaf.

For a nourishing start with minimal prep, I’d also recommend these Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries, which offer a sweet breakfast-meets-dessert vibe with easy assembly.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you add nuts? Did you go heavy on the cinnamon? Drop a comment and let me know what twist you tried.

For more wholesome, sweet recipes like this, you can follow my daily updates on Pinterest at LadyPlate.