Apple Cinnamon Oat Breakfast Bars

This Apple Cinnamon Oat Breakfast Bars recipe is healthy, filling, and the perfect grab-and-go breakfast made with nothing but real, nourishing ingredients. They’re soft and chewy in the center, crisp on the edges, and made with just a handful of pantry staples like oats, banana, apple, and a little maple syrup with no flour, no refined sugar, and no stress. These air fryer oat bars are soft on the inside, crisp around the edges, and packed with natural sweetness from banana, apple, and a drizzle of maple syrup. No refined sugar, no flour, no fuss.

If you love the idea of starting your day with something hearty yet nourishing, these Apple Cinnamon Oat Breakfast Bars might just be your new morning favorite. Made with simple pantry staples, they come together in minutes and bring all the comforting fall flavors you crave. You might also love our Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars if you’re into hearty, chewy bars packed with goodies, or try these Oatmeal Almond Biscotti for a crisp, dunkable treat that’s perfect with your morning coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Oat Breakfast Bars Recipe

• Naturally sweetened and wholesome. These bars are sweetened with ripe banana and just a splash of maple syrup, making them a healthier option compared to sugary granola bars or muffins.
• Kid-friendly and mom-approved. Soft enough for toddlers but tasty enough for the whole family, these bars are a great way to sneak in fruit and oats without complaints.
• Perfect for busy mornings. They cook in under 10 minutes in the air fryer, and you can prep them ahead and grab them on the go.
• So much cozy fall flavor. The combination of apple and cinnamon is warm, comforting, and perfect for chilly mornings.
• Made from pantry staples. You probably have everything you need already—no fancy flours or hard-to-find ingredients here.
• Easy to customize. Whether you want to add nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, these bars are endlessly adaptable.
• Gluten-free and vegan friendly. As long as you use certified gluten-free oats and real maple syrup, you’re all set for most dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed For Apple Cinnamon Oat Breakfast Bars

• Apple. Use a small, crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture and natural sweetness. Finely chop it so it softens quickly while cooking.
• Banana. One ripe banana acts as a natural binder and sweetener. The riper, the better.
• Rolled oats. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the bars their structure. Avoid quick oats here for best texture.
• Cinnamon. A half teaspoon of ground cinnamon adds that warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with apple.
• Maple syrup. Just a tablespoon gives the perfect touch of sweetness. Make sure it’s pure maple syrup for best flavor.
• Salt. Just a pinch helps enhance all the flavors.

How I Make Apple Cinnamon Oat Breakfast Bars

(This is a quick overview of how I make Apple Cinnamon Oat Breakfast Bars, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)

1. Mash the banana. I use a fork to mash it until smooth in a mixing bowl. This becomes the base.
2. Stir in the dry ingredients. Add in the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and finely chopped apple. Mix well to combine evenly.
3. Add the maple syrup. This helps bind everything and adds a light caramel flavor.
4. Form into sticks or bars. Use your hands or a spoon to shape the mixture into bar-like sticks. I keep them about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick.
5. Air fry. Place them in your air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden and slightly crispy on the outside.
6. Serve. I love dipping them into Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of maple syrup.

How to Pack These Bars for Work and School

These bars are incredibly portable and packable, which makes them ideal for school lunches, work snacks, or a quick breakfast on your commute. Once they’ve cooled, wrap each bar individually in parchment or reusable wraps. I love storing them in a zip-top bag or a small reusable container with a napkin so they’re ready to grab and go.

If you’re packing for kids, tuck one into a bento box with a few apple slices and a small container of yogurt for dipping. For grown-up lunches, pair a bar with a boiled egg or a banana and you’ve got a super satisfying, energizing start to the day.

Expert Tips for Apple Cinnamon Oat Breakfast Bars

• Use parchment paper or a silicone liner. This makes it easy to lift the bars out and keeps cleanup quick.
• Cool before removing. Let the bars cool for at least 5 minutes so they firm up and don’t crumble.
• Add-ins for texture. Stir in seeds (chia, flax, sunflower) or nuts for crunch.
• Adjust sweetness naturally. Use a bit more maple syrup if your banana isn’t very ripe.
• Make it nutty. A spoonful of almond or peanut butter stirred into the mix adds creaminess and richness.
• Keep them uniform. Use a cookie scoop or small measuring cup to portion evenly so they cook consistently.

Apple Cinnamon Oat Breakfast Bars Recipe Variations

Add nut butters. Mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter to bring extra richness and healthy fats to each bite.

Add seeds. Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts boost the fiber and protein content with barely any change to texture.

Add chocolate. A handful of mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a fun dessert twist.

Add dried fruits. Try dried cranberries, blueberries, or chopped apricots for a chewy, tangy punch.

Add nuts. Stir in toasted walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or slivered almonds for a hearty crunch.

Boost with protein. Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or plain) to make them more filling and fitness-friendly.

Make it zesty. Add orange or lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note that balances the sweet apple.

Use applesauce. Replace the banana with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for a slightly lighter flavor and texture.

Thicker bars. Press the mixture into a lined 8×8 or 9×9 pan and bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes for thicker, chewier bars.

Storing and Freezing Apple Cinnamon Oat Breakfast Bars

Let the bars cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. They hold their shape and flavor best when stored in a single layer, separated by parchment paper if stacking.

To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment, then store in a zip-top freezer bag or freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for 20–30 seconds until warm.

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