Apple Walnut Snack Bars

At the heart of these snack bars lies rolled oats, often hailed as one of the healthiest grains on the planet. Rich in dietary fiber, oats provide numerous health benefits, including improved digestion and lower cholesterol levels. The soluble fiber found in oats, particularly beta-glucan, has been shown to promote heart health by reducing bad cholesterol and improving overall cardiovascular function. Moreover, oats are a fantastic source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. By incorporating rolled oats into your daily diet, you not only boost your nutrient intake but also support a healthy metabolism and sustained energy levels throughout the day.

Discover the perfect recipe for Crunchy Apple Walnut Snack Bars, a nutritious treat ideal for any time of day. These delightful bars combine the wholesome goodness of rolled oats, crunchy walnuts, and sweet apples, creating a tasty snack that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Packed with fiber and healthy fats, they're not only satisfying but also kid-friendly, making them the go-to snack for busy schedules. Enjoy these wholesome bars on the go or as a delicious dessert!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup walnuts, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large apple, cored and diced (approximately 1 cup; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional, for added sweetness and color)

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional, for added texture)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy bar removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and sea salt. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed and evenly distributed.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together your choice of honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and pure vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth and consistent mixture.

Incorporate Chopped Apple: Fold the diced apple into the wet mixture, mixing gently to ensure the apple pieces are evenly coated. If you’re using dried cranberries and coconut flakes, add them at this stage and fold them into the mixture as well.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture carefully until it is fully combined, ensuring that the dry ingredients are well coated with the wet mixture.

Transfer to Baking Pan: Pour the finished mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and spread it evenly throughout the pan, making sure it reaches the corners.

Bake: Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the edges begin to turn a lovely golden brown color.

Cool and Slice: After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Utilize the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab out onto a cutting board. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares or rectangles.

Store or Serve: These delightful snack bars can be enjoyed right away or stored in an airtight container. They will remain fresh at room temperature for up to a week, or you may refrigerate them to prolong their freshness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Yields 12 bars.

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant platter. You can garnish with a sprinkle of additional coconut flakes or a few fresh apple slices for a visually appealing touch!