Apple Oat Bars

5 from 1 vote

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If you’re looking for a wholesome, easy-to-make snack for your little one, these Apple Oat Bars are the perfect choice! Made with simple ingredients like applesauce, peanut butter, and oat flour, they’re naturally sweetened and packed with nutrients. These bars are soft, chewy, and great for breakfast, snack time, or even on-the-go treats!

A hand holding up an apple oat bar drizzled with chocolate

Why Apple Oat Bars are Great for Toddlers & Families

Nutrient-Packed – Oats provide fiber and whole grains, applesauce adds natural sweetness, and peanut butter gives a boost of healthy fats and protein.

Refined Sugar-Free – Sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup, making them a better alternative to store-bought granola bars.

Soft & Easy to Eat – The chewy texture is perfect for little hands and developing teeth.

Customizable – You can add berries, chocolate chips, or even cinnamon to change up the flavors.

Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch in under 30 minutes and have snacks ready for the whole week!


Ingredients

  • 1 cup applesauce
  • ¾ cup peanut butter
  • 2 cups oat flour (or rolled oats blended into a flour)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • Mix-ins: Choose chocolate chips, berries, or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking

How to Make Apple Oat Bars for Toddlers

  1. Mix Everything Together:
    • In a large bowl, stir together the applesauce, peanut butter, oat flour, and maple syrup until well combined.
    • Add in your chosen mix-ins.
  2. Press into Pan & Bake:
    • Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
    • Press the mixture evenly into the pan.
    • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
  3. Cool & Cut:
    • Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
    • If desired, drizzle melted chocolate on top after cooling for extra flavor.

Substitutions

Replace oat flour with whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour if you don’t have oats or want a different texture.

Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter for nut-free variation.

Swap maple syrup with honey (if the child is over 1 year old) or even a little date syrup.

Mix-ins can vary: try chopped dried fruit, unsweetened shredded coconut, or small seeds like chia or flax.

Use dairy-free chocolate chips or skip the chocolate drizzle to reduce sugar.


Storing Extra Applesauce Oat Bars

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop one in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

Common Questions

Can I make these toddler apple bars nut-free?

  • Yes. Use seed butter (like sunflower seed butter) instead of peanut butter.

Are these apple oat bars safe for babies/BLW?

  • They’re soft and chewy, which works well for toddlers. For younger BLW babies, cut into thin, manageable strips.

Can I use rolled oats instead of oat flour?

  • Yes — just blend rolled oats into flour or substitute part of the oat flour with whole oats for more texture.

More Fall-Inspired Treats for Toddlers

Apple Pie Bars – These apple pie bars are soft, spiced, and naturally sweetened with apples. A toddler-friendly snack or dessert that’s easy to grab and full of cozy fall flavor.

Apple Oat Pancakes – These apple oat pancakes are fluffy, wholesome, and made with blended oats and fresh apple. Perfect for BLW and toddler breakfasts with natural sweetness.

BLW Pumpkin Pancakes – These soft, 3-ingredient BLW pumpkin pancakes are packed with fall flavor and nutrients. Ideal for baby-led weaning and toddler-friendly mornings.

Pumpkin Oat Bars – These chewy pumpkin oat bars are lightly spiced, naturally sweet, and made with simple ingredients. A healthy snack or lunchbox option for toddlers.

Pumpkin Pancakes – These fluffy pumpkin pancakes are full of cozy spice and made with real pumpkin puree. A toddler-approved fall breakfast that’s easy and nourishing.


If your kids love these healthy pumpkin oat bars let me know! Tag me @reallittlemeals so I can hear about all of your delicious creations!

A hand holding up a healthy apple oat bar
5 from 1 vote

Apple Oat Bars

Soft, chewy Apple Oat Bars made with applesauce, peanut butter, and oat flour. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, these bars are a perfect snack, breakfast, or on-the-go treat for toddlers. Customize with berries or chocolate chips for extra flavor!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Servings: 9 bars

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 cups oat flour, (just blend rolled oats)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • pick a mix in: chocolate chips, berries, or drizzle chocolate on top after baking

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, stir together the applesauce, peanut butter, oat flour, and maple syrup until well combined.
  • Add in your chosen mix-ins. I highly recommend not skipping this step! The bars are only lightly sweet and by adding chocolate chips or berries, you add a lot more flavor and sweetness.
  • Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Press the mixture evenly into the pan.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
  • Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. If desired, drizzle melted chocolate on top after cooling for extra flavor.

Notes

My kids love the chocolate drizzle!

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Sodium: 98mg, Potassium: 250mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 8IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @reallittlemeals or tag #reallittlemeals!

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About Ashley

As a mom to two, I know how stressful feeding little ones can be. That’s why I love helping other parents provide simple, healthy meals that your toddler and whole family will love. From quick and easy snacks, to full meals, I’ve got your mealtimes covered.

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