Looking for a naturally sweet, fiber-rich treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert? These Healthy Baked Apple Banana Oat Bars are a wholesome, delicious, and incredibly easy recipe made with just a handful of ingredients. They’re packed with fruit, oats, and a touch of cinnamon, making them a nourishing choice for all ages. Whether you’re making a batch for busy mornings or prepping a lunchbox favorite, these bars are soft, chewy, and full of naturally sweet flavors from apples, bananas, raisins, and cranberries. There’s no added sugar, no dairy (except for the butter used for greasing), and they bake up beautifully with minimal effort.
Cooking Time
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Baking Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
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1 cup rolled oats
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2 medium apples, peeled and grated or finely chopped
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100 ml water
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2 eggs
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1 ripe banana, mashed
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50 g raisins
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50 g dried cranberries
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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Butter for greasing the pan
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Grease a baking dish (approximately 20×20 cm or 8×8 inches) with butter to prevent sticking. -
Prepare the fruit:
Peel and grate or finely chop the apples. Mash the banana in a large bowl until smooth. -
Mix the wet ingredients:
To the bowl with the mashed banana, add the eggs and water. Whisk until well combined. -
Add dry ingredients:
Stir in the oats, baking powder, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. -
Add fruit and dried fruit:
Fold in the grated apples, raisins, and cranberries until everything is well incorporated. -
Pour into baking dish:
Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. -
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. -
Cool and slice:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars. This helps them firm up and improves texture.
Nutritional Information (Per serving – based on 10 bars)
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Calories: ~130 kcal
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Protein: 3 grams
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Carbohydrates: 24 grams
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Fat: 3 grams
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Fiber: 3 grams
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Sugar: ~10 grams (naturally occurring)
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Cholesterol: 35 mg
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Sodium: 40 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Baked oat bars like these have gained widespread popularity in recent years as the demand for clean, whole-food snacks has grown. This recipe draws inspiration from traditional European baked porridge and British flapjacks, but it’s made lighter and healthier with fresh fruit and no added sugars or syrups. Health-conscious home bakers around the world love these bars for their simplicity, flavor, and versatility. With a shift towards natural, plant-forward ingredients, baked fruit oat bars are now a staple in modern kitchens and lunchboxes.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Easy to make: Requires only one bowl and simple ingredients.
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No refined sugar: Sweetened entirely by fruit, making it kid- and diabetic-friendly.
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Naturally gluten-free (if using certified oats): Great for those with dietary restrictions.
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Customizable: Add or swap fruits, nuts, or spices.
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Perfect texture: Soft and chewy with bursts of fruit in every bite.
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Portable: Great for breakfast on-the-go or packing in lunchboxes.
Health Benefits
This recipe is not just tasty—it’s nutritious, too:
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Oats: A great source of soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol.
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Bananas: Rich in potassium and natural sugars for energy.
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Apples: Contain vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
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Raisins and Cranberries: Offer iron and phytonutrients while satisfying sweet cravings.
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Eggs: Add protein and help bind the bars without needing flour or oil.
These bars provide steady energy without the crash that comes from refined carbs and sugars.
Serving Suggestions
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Enjoy a bar with your morning coffee or tea.
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Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a more filling meal.
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Pair with a smoothie or fresh fruit for a nourishing snack.
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Warm slightly and serve with a splash of milk for a cozy, porridge-style treat.
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Pack in lunchboxes for both kids and adults as a clean, energizing snack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping the banana: It adds necessary sweetness and moisture. If omitted, the bars may turn out dry and bland.
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Using too much water: Stick to the measured 100 ml to avoid a soggy texture.
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Not cooling before slicing: Cutting them while hot can cause them to fall apart. Letting them cool ensures clean, firm cuts.
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Underbaking: Always check the center of the bars. If it’s too soft, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
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Overmixing the batter: Gentle folding is enough to combine the ingredients—overmixing can make the texture rubbery.
Pairing Recommendations
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Drinks: Herbal tea, almond milk lattes, or cold brew coffee.
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Savory contrast: A slice of aged cheese or some scrambled eggs makes for a balanced brunch.
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Fruits: Fresh apple slices, berries, or an orange add more freshness to your plate.
Cooking Tips
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Use ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness.
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Add a handful of chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds) for crunch and extra protein.
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You can sprinkle extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top before baking for more aroma.
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If your apples are especially juicy, squeeze out a little excess liquid before mixing.
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To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Banana Oat Muffins
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Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
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Healthy Breakfast Cookies with Oats and Raisins
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No-Bake Granola Bars
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Baked Pumpkin Oat Squares
Variations to Try
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Nutty Boost: Add 2 tablespoons of almond or peanut butter to the batter.
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Coconut Twist: Mix in 2 tablespoons shredded coconut and top with coconut flakes.
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Chocolate: Add a handful of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
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Citrus Zing: Grate in some lemon or orange zest.
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Spice It Up: Try cardamom, allspice, or pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon.
Ingredient Spotlight
Oats – The star of the recipe, oats are full of soluble fiber, which helps manage cholesterol, supports digestion, and keeps you full longer.
Bananas – Ripe bananas are not only a natural sweetener but also provide moisture, potassium, and B6.
Apples – These fiber-rich fruits offer antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune health and digestion.
Eggs – Essential for structure and binding, eggs also contribute to protein intake and vitamin D.
Raisins & Cranberries – These dried fruits add texture, sweetness, and nutrients like iron and antioxidants.
Conclusion
These Healthy Baked Apple Banana Oat Bars are proof that nutritious food doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. With their soft texture, natural sweetness, and rich fiber content, they make a perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert that satisfies without the guilt. Whether you’re looking to meal prep healthy snacks for the week or introduce your family to better choices, this simple recipe delivers big flavor with wholesome ingredients. Give them a try, and they just might become a new staple in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats work fine, though they may result in a slightly softer texture. Steel-cut oats are not recommended unless pre-cooked.
2. Can I substitute the banana?
You can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed cooked sweet potato as an alternative, but banana provides the best natural sweetness and texture.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water) and grease the pan with coconut oil or vegan butter.
4. How should I store the bars?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen individually and reheated as needed.
5. Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder can be added. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to maintain moisture.
6. Are these bars gluten-free?
They are naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check packaging for cross-contamination warnings.
7. Can I omit the dried fruits?
Yes, you can omit or replace them with chopped nuts, seeds, or other dried fruits like chopped apricots or dates.
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8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish and increase baking time by 5–10 minutes. Keep an eye on the center to ensure it’s fully cooked.
9. Do these bars travel well?
Yes, once cooled and cut, they are firm and travel well. Great for lunchboxes, picnics, and snack packs.
10. Are these bars suitable for babies or toddlers?
Yes, for toddlers over one year old. For younger babies, omit raisins and cranberries (due to choking risk) and ensure the texture is soft enough.