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Easy No-Bake Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars

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These no-bake granola bars combine the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm cinnamon and chewy oats for a healthy, tasty snack perfect for lunch boxes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (about 180g)
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (240ml)
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup (80ml)
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter (120g), smooth or crunchy
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped dried apples or raisins (60g) – optional
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) (60g) – optional
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup, ½ cup natural peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
  3. Add 2 cups rolled oats, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and if using, ½ cup chopped dried apples or raisins and ½ cup chopped nuts. Stir thoroughly until every oat is coated and the mixture looks sticky but not overly wet.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the corners and edges using a spatula or lightly dampened hands.
  5. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until bars are firm. Alternatively, chill in the freezer for 1 hour, watching closely to avoid freezing solid.
  6. Lift the set mixture out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 8 or 10 bars with a sharp knife.
  7. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months.

Notes

If mixture is too sticky to press, add a tablespoon or two of oats. If too dry and crumbly, add a little extra applesauce or nut butter. Use rolled oats for best texture. Press mixture firmly and chill long enough to ensure bars hold together well. Store in airtight containers to prevent drying or odor absorption.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake granola bars, apple cinnamon bars, healthy snacks, lunch box ideas, easy granola bars, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-no-bake-apple-cinnamon-granola-bars-recipe-for-healthy-lunch-boxes/