Wholesome bars blending oats, warm cinnamon, and sweet maple syrup for a tasty, portable option.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup whole wheat flour
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (substitute coconut oil for dairy-free)
08 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins
11 - 1/3 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
12 - 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together rolled oats, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - In another bowl, whisk maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
05 - Fold in chopped nuts and dried fruit if using, ensuring even distribution.
06 - Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in center is clean.
08 - Let bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out using parchment overhang. Cut into 12 bars.
