Apple-Oat Bars

Apple-Oat Bars Recipe - Wholesome Dish with Easy-to-Follow Instructions

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 9 bars

Introduction

Apple-Oat Bars are a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the tart sweetness of apples. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a snack that's not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Whether you're looking for a healthy dessert option or a tasty snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these bars are sure to satisfy.

History

The Apple-Oat Bar recipe has its roots in traditional American baking, where oats and apples have been staple ingredients for centuries. Oats were one of the first grains cultivated by man, while apples were brought to America by European settlers. Over time, these two ingredients have been combined in various ways, leading to the creation of this particular recipe. It reflects a long-standing tradition of using what's readily available to create simple, yet satisfying, baked goods.

Ingredients

1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup packed light brown sugar
0.75 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
3 tbsp vegetable oil
0.33 cup apple cider or apple juice
3 cups peeled, chopped tart apples, such as Granny Smith
0.25 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted, optional

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan or coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Using a fork or your fingertips, work in oil and cider until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press about 1.5 cups of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle with apples. Mix walnuts into the remaining oat mixture, then sprinkle it evenly over the apples and pat it into an even layer.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Add a layer of caramel or a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Substitute pears for apples for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Apple-Oat Bars turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.

- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the mix will enhance their flavor.

- Make sure to press the bottom oat layer firmly into the pan to create a solid base.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add a delightful touch.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe. It's important to preheat the oven for even baking and to ensure the bars are cooked thoroughly but not overdone.

Ingredient Substitutions

Coconut oil can be used in place of vegetable oil for a hint of coconut flavor.

- Maple syrup can substitute for brown sugar for a different type of sweetness.

- Almonds or pecans can replace walnuts based on preference or availability.

Make Ahead Tips

These bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the bars into uniform squares and place them on a platter lined with parchment paper. Garnish with fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Apple-Oat Bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a more indulgent pairing, try them with a glass of dessert wine such as a late harvest Riesling.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze. To reheat, simply warm in a microwave for a few seconds or in an oven preheated to 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Apple-Oat Bars contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option for a snack or dessert, fitting well into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Apple-Oat Bars contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of these carbohydrates are the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, so these bars can be a good snack option for an energy boost.

Fats

The Apple-Oat Bars contain around 7 grams of fat per serving, with the main sources being vegetable oil and walnuts. These fats include a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats, which are important for maintaining healthy cell functions.

Proteins

Each serving of these bars provides about 3 grams of protein, coming mainly from the oats and nuts. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, making these bars a wholesome snack.

Vitamins and minerals

These bars are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the apples, vitamin E from the vegetable oil, and magnesium from the oats. They also provide iron and calcium, essential for blood health and strong bones, respectively.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are gluten (from the all-purpose flour) and nuts (walnuts). Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should avoid this recipe or find suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Apple-Oat Bars offer a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. They are a nutritious option for those looking for a healthy snack or dessert.

Summary

Apple-Oat Bars are a versatile and nutritious option for anyone looking for a delicious snack or dessert. With their wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, they're sure to become a favorite in any household. Whether enjoyed as is or customized with your favorite add-ins, these bars offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Apple-Oat Bars. It was a crisp autumn day, the air filled with the scent of cinnamon and apples. I was visiting my dear friend Mary, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, she pulled out a tray of these delectable bars and offered me one.

I took a bite and was immediately struck by the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the chewy oats complementing the tender apples. I asked Mary for the recipe, and she chuckled, saying it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations. But she agreed to teach me how to make them, and so began my journey into the world of Apple-Oat Bars.

Mary showed me how to select the best apples for baking, explaining that a mix of tart and sweet varieties would give the bars the perfect flavor. She peeled and sliced the apples with ease, a skill honed over decades of practice. As she mixed the oats, flour, and spices together, she told me stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to bake when she was just a young girl.

The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the kitchen as the bars baked in the oven. Mary showed me how to tell when they were ready by gently pressing on the top and watching for the edges to turn golden brown. When she pulled them out and let them cool, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste. The bars were even better than I remembered, the apples soft and juicy, the oats crunchy and flavorful.

As I left Mary's house that day, she handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, a gift to me from her family. I treasured that piece of paper, tucking it away in my recipe box alongside all the other culinary treasures I had collected over the years. From that day on, Apple-Oat Bars became a staple in my own kitchen, a favorite among my family and friends.

Over the years, I made the recipe my own, experimenting with different types of apples and adding a sprinkle of nuts or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair. Each batch brought back memories of that day in Mary's kitchen, of her patience and expertise, of the warmth and comfort that baking can bring.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for Apple-Oat Bars to my own grandchildren, I hope they too will feel that sense of amazement and wonder that I did so many years ago. I hope they will cherish the tradition of baking together, of sharing stories and laughter over a tray of warm, delicious bars. And I hope that, just like me, they will come to see the power of a simple recipe to bring joy and connection to those we love.