Peanut Butter and Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Fuel your day with these chewy, delicious Peanut Butter & Apple Oatmeal Bars! 🍎🥜😋 So good!

1. A Quick Note:

Peanut Butter and Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Combining the comforting flavors of peanut butter, apples, and oats, these bars are both delicious and nutritious, providing sustained energy for your day.

2. What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups Quaker oats
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 apple, peeled and diced

3. Step-by-Step Instructions:

The process involves mixing the wet and dry ingredients, layering them in a baking pan, and baking until golden brown. Once cooled, cut into bars and enjoy! The aroma of apples and peanut butter baking in the oven is simply irresistible.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the bars bake evenly. Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing the pan inside for optimal results.

Step 2: Prepare the baking pan

Grease an 11x7 inch baking pan thoroughly. This prevents the bars from sticking. If you don't have this exact size, an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan will also work, or even an 11x13 inch pan, though the baking time may need adjustment.

Step 3: Combine butter and peanut butter

Place the peanut butter and butter into a microwave-safe dish. Using a microwave-safe bowl ensures the ingredients melt safely without damaging the container. Make sure the dish is clean to avoid any unwanted flavors.

Step 4: Melt the mixture

Heat the peanut butter and butter in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until the butter is fully melted. Stir the mixture together until it is smooth and well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout the bars.

Step 5: Combine dry ingredients

Place all the dry ingredients, except the fruit, into a large mixing bowl. Ensure you have a bowl large enough to accommodate all the ingredients. This step prepares the base of the oatmeal bars.

Step 6: Mix ingredients

Using an electric beater or a KitchenAid mixer, beat the ingredients together for approximately 1 minute. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should be slightly crumbly at this stage.

Step 7: Prepare the apples

Peel a whole apple and thinly chop it into pieces about the size of your pinky nail. Small pieces of apple distribute evenly throughout the bars, adding moisture and flavor. Discard the core and any seeds.

Step 8: Add apples to mixture

Stir the chopped apples into the oatmeal mixture. Gently fold the apples in to ensure they are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.

Step 9: Press mixture into pan

Pour the mixture into the greased pan and press it down firmly with your fingers. Ensure the mixture is evenly distributed and tightly packed into the pan. This will help the bars hold their shape during baking.

Step 10: Bake the bars

Place the pan into the preheated oven and cook for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. If you are using an 11x13 inch pan, it will take a bit less time because the mixture will be much thinner. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 11: Cool slightly before slicing

Let the bars cool for 10 minutes before slicing them into strips. This allows the bars to firm up slightly, making them easier to cut. Use a sharp knife for clean, even slices.

Step 12: Cool completely

Let the remaining bars cool entirely before you place them in tupperware or wrap them in foil. Fully cooled bars will maintain their texture and flavor best. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

4. Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They are also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on hikes.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 8 servings, Calories: 288kcal, Protein: 7g, Fat: 11g, Carbohydrates: 44g, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 17g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 51mg

6. To Wrap Up:

Peanut Butter and Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are a wholesome and satisfying treat that will quickly become a family favorite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these bars are a delicious way to start your day or fuel your afternoon!