If you’re searching for a wholesome and naturally sweet treat, these plum butter oat bars with apple and walnuts check every box. They’re chewy, satisfying, and full of rustic charm. Made with rolled oats, juicy grated apple, earthy walnuts, and naturally sweet plum butter, these bars are simple yet full of depth and texture.
Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a healthy dessert, they offer a deliciously fruity and nutty flavor without refined sugar or complicated steps. Whether you’re baking for the family or prepping a week’s worth of grab-and-go snacks, this recipe is the answer to your whole grain and naturally sweet cravings.
Recipe description
These oat bars are hearty and slightly chewy, with a soft, moist bite thanks to the apple and plum butter. The oats bring a comforting, grainy texture while the walnuts add occasional crunch. The subtle sweetness of the plum butter balances beautifully with the tartness of the apple, creating a naturally rich flavor without any added refined sugar.
They’re flexible, too—use your favorite type of apple, swap the egg for a flaxseed egg if you’re going vegan, and adjust the mix-ins to your taste. Whether served with tea, packed in a lunchbox, or enjoyed warm with a dollop of yogurt or nut butter, these bars are as versatile as they are nourishing.
Preparation, cook, and total times
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Yield
Makes 12 bars
Cuisine
Wholesome baking, naturally sweet, vegetarian (vegan adaptable)
A full list of ingredients
-
Rolled Oats: 2 cups (180 g)
-
Walnuts: 1 cup (120 g), chopped
-
Plum Butter: ½ cup (120 g)
-
Apple: 1 medium (about 120 g), grated
-
Egg: 1 large (or flaxseed egg for vegan option: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water)
-
Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
-
Salt: ¼ teaspoon
Step-by-step cooking directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple
Wash and grate the apple using a box grater. Leave the skin on for extra fiber. If the apple is too juicy, squeeze lightly to remove some moisture, but don’t dry it out completely.
Step 3: Make the Flaxseed Egg (if vegan)
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2½ tablespoons of water. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes gelatinous.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the grated apple, plum butter, and egg (or flaxseed egg) until smooth.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add rolled oats, chopped walnuts, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and evenly coated.
Step 6: Transfer and Smooth the Mixture
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press the mixture evenly and flatten the surface.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is firm and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing into 12 even bars.
Nutritional information (per bar, approx.)
-
Calories: 180 kcal
-
Protein: 4 g
-
Fat: 10 g
-
Carbohydrates: 20 g
-
Sugar: 6–8 g (natural from fruit)
-
Fiber: 3 g
-
Cholesterol: 15 mg (or 0 mg if vegan)
-
Sodium: 80 mg
The origins and popularity of the recipe
Plum butter, also known as “powidl” or “lekvar,” is a traditional fruit preserve popular in Central and Eastern European cooking. Its deep, rich flavor and naturally sweet character make it a favorite in pastries, cakes, and spreads. Pairing it with oats and apples creates a modern, healthy spin on old-world baking.
As more people seek out unprocessed and refined sugar-free treats, recipes like these have gained traction. They’re popular among home bakers who value nutrition without sacrificing taste and are perfect for those following vegetarian, gluten-sensitive, or clean-eating diets.
Reasons why you’ll love the recipe
-
Simple and wholesome with only 7 ingredients
-
No refined sugar
-
Vegan adaptable
-
Great for breakfast, snacking, or light dessert
-
Naturally moist and sweet
-
Easily customizable with other fruits or nuts
-
Stores well for days
-
Kid-friendly and lunchbox approved
Health benefits
-
Rolled oats provide sustained energy and are rich in fiber and iron
-
Plum butter is high in antioxidants and natural sugars
-
Walnuts offer brain-boosting omega-3s and protein
-
Apple adds vitamin C, fiber, and natural moisture
-
Low sugar, high fiber, and good fats make this a guilt-free treat
-
Vegan option fits plant-based lifestyles without sacrificing flavor
Serving suggestions
-
Enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee
-
Pair with Greek yogurt or skyr for breakfast
-
Serve with a dollop of nut butter for added protein
-
Slice into smaller squares for tea parties or toddler snacks
-
Drizzle with warm cinnamon maple syrup for a dessert twist
-
Crumble into a parfait or atop ice cream
Cooking tips
-
Use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
-
If your plum butter is too thick, microwave it briefly to loosen before mixing
-
Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
-
For crunchier edges, bake 5 extra minutes
-
If you like your bars extra chewy, wrap them in foil overnight to retain moisture
-
Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing
Variations to try
-
Fruit swap: Try grated pear or mashed banana instead of apple
-
Nuts: Swap walnuts for almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts
-
Mix-ins: Add raisins, cranberries, or dark chocolate chips
-
Spices: Stir in ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom
-
Gluten-free: Use certified GF oats for a gluten-free version
-
Layered: Spread half the oat mix, add a layer of plum butter, and top with the rest for a filled version
A conclusion
These plum butter oat bars are proof that healthy snacking doesn’t have to be bland or complicated. With their chewy oats, sweet and tangy plum butter, and the delightful crunch of walnuts, they hit all the right notes. The subtle apple flavor provides just enough fruitiness to balance the richness of the nut and oat base.
Perfect for a weekday breakfast, a lunchbox snack, or a treat to share with friends, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s flexible, forgiving, and full of good-for-you ingredients—exactly what everyday baking should be.
A 10 comprehensive FAQ section
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, though the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats are recommended for the best result.
2. Is plum butter the same as jam?
Not quite. Plum butter is more concentrated and less sugary than jam, with a thicker, richer consistency.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2½ tbsp water) instead of the regular egg.
4. Can I replace the walnuts?
Yes. Use almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, or leave them out altogether for a nut-free version.
5. Do I need to peel the apple?
Not necessary—leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrients. Just wash it well before grating.
6. How should I store the bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
7. Can I freeze them?
Yes. Wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a 9×13 inch pan and increase baking time by about 5–7 minutes.
9. Is this gluten-free?
Only if using certified gluten-free oats. Double-check your baking powder as well.
10. What if I don’t have plum butter?
You can substitute with any thick fruit spread like apple butter, apricot jam, or fig spread, though sweetness will vary.