Apple Cinnamon Oat Bars

Apple Cinnamon Oat Bars: A Yummy, Nutritious Snack for Babies and Toddlers

Apple cinnamon oat bars are a delicious, wholesome snack designed with babies and toddlers in mind. They come out very soft, naturally sweetened with no refined sugars. The bars are packed with nourishing ingredients and are great for parents who are looking to make easy, homemade snacks at home. They provide a balanced combination of nutrients, including fiber, healthy carbs, protein and natural sweetness, to fuel little ones through their active days. Simple to make and easy to store, these oat bars are an excellent snack to have on hand. Add them to your child's lunchbox, bring them on a picnic, travel snack or after school snack.  

Why Apple Cinnamon Oat Bars Are Perfect for Little Ones:

1. Nutrient-Dense Healthy Ingredients: Oats are a fantastic source of whole grains, providing sustained energy and essential fiber to support digestion. Apples add natural sweetness and vitamin C, while cinnamon introduces a warm, comforting flavor that kids love. While the peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats. Best part they are made with no refined sugars, simple and clean ingredients.
2. Soft and Easy to Eat: The texture of these bars is soft enough for babies and toddlers, they’re also firm enough to hold, encouraging self-feeding and motor skill development.
3. Easy & Convenient: These bars are extremely easy to make, you add everything in one bowl and bake for 10 minutes, can't get easier than that! They store great on the countertop for 3-4 days or you can freeze them and pull them out for a healthy toddler snack throughout the month, making your weeks a little smoother.

 

Why They’re Loved by Kids and Parents:

1. Nutritious and Filling: The combination of oats, nut butter and fruit ensures the bars are both nutritious and satisfying, keeping little ones full between meals.
2. Portable and Convenient: Apple cinnamon oat bars are mess-free and easy to pack for outings, making them a go-to snack for busy days.
3. Allergen-Friendly: These bars are naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and can be made gluten-free with gluten-free oats. For families avoiding nuts, the recipe can easily accommodate that need as well. Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.

 

Tips for Serving and Storing

1. For Babies: Cut into small, manageable strips or squares for easy handling. Serve as a snack or part of a balanced meal.
2. For Toddlers: Pair with yogurt or a spread of nut butter for added protein or serve with a glass of milk.
3. Storage: Keep in an airtight container on the countertop for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

 

Ingredients & Substitutions:

Oats- I like to use instant oats since they are thinner in texture, but rolled oats will work as well. For gluten-free option make sure to use gluten-free oats. Ground Flaxseed- The flax adds an extra boost of nutrients, you can omit if preferred. Peanut Butter- I used peanut butter for this recipe, but any nut or seed butter will work. For example almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter. Applesauce- Unsweetened applesauce works best in this recipe. Sweetener- I used maple syrup as a natural sweetener, but you can use date syrup or honey. For under 12 months make sure to use date syrup. DO NOT use honey!  

What you need:

8x8 or 9 in. square baking pan  Mixing Bowl  Parchment Paper    If you enjoyed this recipe, here are more easy toddler snacks you should check out: Blueberry Crumble Bars Banana Oat Bars ABC Oat Bars Easy Oat Bars