Description
Warm, cozy, and full of fall flavor — these Apple Pie Greek Yogurt Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome treat that perfectly blends sweet spiced apples with creamy yogurt and hearty oats.
Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a guilt-free dessert!
Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup melted coconut oil or butter
2 cups diced apples (peeled)
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch
1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
1 large egg
2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. (
5 minutes)
Make the oat base: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in melted coconut oil until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup for topping. (
8 minutes)
Prepare apple filling: In a small saucepan, combine apples, honey, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens and apples soften slightly. Let cool. (
10 minutes)
Make yogurt layer: In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, egg, and honey until smooth and creamy. (
3 minutes)
Assemble the bars: Press the oat mixture firmly into the pan. Spread the yogurt mixture evenly over the crust, then spoon the apple filling on top. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. (
7 minutes)
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and set. (
35 minutes)
Cool and serve: Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature!
(
15 minutes)
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 9 bars
#ApplePieBars #HealthySnacks #GreekYogurtTreats #FallBaking
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect bars. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your pan. For the base, thoroughly mix the dry ingredients before adding the melted coconut oil; the mixture should hold together when pinched. For the filling, ensure your apples are uniformly diced for even cooking. The cornstarch is crucial for thickening the juices. When assembling, press the base firmly to prevent crumbling. Bake until the top is a deep golden brown and the center is set. Cooling completely is non-negotiable for clean slices.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are incredibly versatile. For breakfast, serve one alongside a cup of coffee or tea. As a dessert, warm a bar slightly and top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an elegant snack, crumble a bar over a bowl of plain Greek yogurt and drizzle with extra honey. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a hot apple cider.
How-to Summary
In short: Mix dry ingredients with oil for a crumbly oat base. Cook diced apples with honey and cornstarch into a thick filling. Whisk yogurt, egg, and honey for a creamy layer. In a pan, layer the pressed base, yogurt mixture, and apple filling. Top with reserved crumbs. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden. Cool completely before slicing into 9 bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
It’s not recommended. Quick oats have a finer texture and will absorb more moisture, potentially making the base too dense and less crumbly.
How should I store these bars, and how long do they last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Use maple syrup instead of honey, a vegan yogurt alternative, and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) to replace the egg.
My apple filling is too runny. What happened?
This usually means the cornstarch wasn’t fully activated or the mixture wasn’t cooked long enough. Ensure you cook it over medium heat until it visibly thickens and becomes glossy.
Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or a berry mix work wonderfully. Adjust cooking time for softer berries and consider slightly increasing cornstarch for very juicy fruits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Cooling Completely: Cutting while warm leads to messy, crumbly bars. Patience is key.
- Overmixing the Oat Base: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, making the base tough.
- Pressing the Base Too Thinly or Thickly: An uneven base will bake inconsistently. Aim for a firm, even layer.
- Using Wet Apples: Pat your diced apples dry after peeling to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- Underbaking: The top should be golden and the center should not jiggle. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean.
Conclusion
These Apple Pie Greek Yogurt Oatmeal Bars are the epitome of a feel-good treat. They successfully transform the comforting essence of apple pie into a portable, nutritious format suitable for any time of day. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a perfect batch every time. With their balance of whole grains, protein, and fruit, they are a delicious testament to the fact that wholesome ingredients can create something truly indulgent. Enjoy the process and the delightful results!