I’m always trying to mix up the snacks in my daughter’s school lunch as I try to expose her to different foods. Her school, like many others, is completely nut-free, which means a lot of her everyday favourites can’t make their way into the lunchbox. Finding snacks that are filling, satisfying, and toddler-approved can feel like a daunting task when nuts are off the table!
When I’m creating snacks that I think she’ll enjoy, I try to piece together the things she already loves- fresh fruit, soothing oatmeal, and just a touch of sweetness. These Apple Pie Granola Bars check every box. They bring together all the warm, cozy flavours of apple pie with nourishing ingredients that keep little tummies full. And the best part? Both of my kids love them. That’s a major win, especially because these bars aren’t overly sweet. Afterall, what’s the point of whipping up a snack your kids won’t even touch? These granola bars have enough natural sweetness to feel like a treat, yet they’re still wholesome and balanced enough for everyday snacking.
Unlike many store-bought granola bars, these homemade bars are made with everyday ingredients. They’re lightly sweetened, nut-free, and free from preservatives and refined oils. The baked apples give them that nostalgic apple-pie aroma that fills the entire kitchen as they bake. It’s the kind of smell that makes everyone wander in asking, “What’s cooking?”. It’s just a little perk of home cooking.
One of the things I love most is how quickly these bars come together. A little chopping, a few simple bowls, and you’re ready to bake. Most of the time spent is watching these firm up in the oven. I like to make a quick batch on the weekend and freeze them individually so they’re easy to grab and toss into lunch boxes throughout the week. They thaw beautifully and hold their shape well, making them great for school, road trips, office snacks, or those afternoon cravings when you want something a little sweet but still nourishing.
Afterall, who doesn’t love the warm, familiar taste of apple pie in snack form? These bars deliver all of that comfort and coziness in a tidy little package. And if you prefer your snack bars a touch sweeter, I’ve included an easy recipe adaptation in the Notes to help you boost that classic apple-pie flavour without compromising the wholesome feel of this recipe.
If you’re looking for a gluten free option, this recipe works too- simply double check that your oat products and baking powder are certified gluten free to avoid cross contamination.
If you do decide to bake up up these granola bars, don’t be alarmed if the batter is more liquidy than you expected- they firm up as they bake into soft, chewy bars. Let me know what you think!
Apple Pie-Inspired Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ground flax
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp olive oil or water saute, if preferred
- 2 large apples peeled and chopped *See Notes (I prefer Empire apples)
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup soy milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup apple sauce
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir the ground flax and water together. Let sit.
- Heat a small sauce pan over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and, once warmed, add the diced apples to the pan along with the brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Cook until softened, stirring frequently to avoid burning, about 6 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- To a blender, add 1 ½ cups of the rolled oats and blend until they resemble flour (or you can use ready-made oat flour if you prefer).
- To a medium mixing bowl, add the oat flour, remaining rolled oats, baking powder and another pinch of salt. Mix well.
- To a large mixing bowl, add the milk, flax mixture, apple sauce, maple syrup, melted coconut oil and vanilla. Mix well. Now, pour the dry ingredients in and gently stir together. Fold in the baked apples and their released juices.
- Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and pour in the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be beginning to develop a light, golden brown crust. Cool and then slice into bars. Bars should be stored in the fridge or frozen individually.
Notes
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