Apple Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

These delicious apple oatmeal bars are a combination of a buttery crust, topped with tender spiced apples and a crispy oatmeal topping, in individual sizes that make them a great grab-and-go breakfast or an anytime snack. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan too.

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Easy Apple Oat Bars for Breakfast, Snack or Dessert!

With apple season here, these oatmeal apple bars are perfect for a quick breakfast, snack or even a delicious dessert (drizzle on some caramel to make it even more decadent)!

A buttery shortbread crust as the base, topped with tender flavored apple filling, and finished with a layer of crunchy crumble, these apple oatmeal bars are just divine.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients you’ll need for these apple and oatmeal bars are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: While there are a couple of steps involved, making these breakfast bars are uncomplicated. And it feels like eating apple pie in individual bar form!
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Vegan: The best part is that these oat bars are 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy them without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making these apple oatmeal bars.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Oats: If you are Celiac, make sure to use certified gluten-free quick oats (this is because while oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in the same facilities as gluten-containing grains, so there is the risk of cross contamination). Alternatively, instead of processing your own oat flour, you can also use store-bought certified gluten-free oat flour instead.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch adds extra binding power to bind the ingredients together. Alternatively, if you are allergic to corn, you can also use arrowroot starch or tapioca starch instead.
• Butter: I used dairy-free butter to keep this recipe dairy-free. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular butter instead.
• Vanilla Extract: I like adding a bit of vanilla extract for flavor. However, if you aren’t a fan of vanilla, go ahead and leave it out instead.
• Brown Sugar: I used brown sugar, but you can also use cane sugar or white sugar if you prefer.
• Spices: For flavor, I’ve used ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor, if not pre-ground spices will work too.
• Apples: I used red apples here, but go ahead and use green apples if you prefer.

How to Make Apple Oatmeal Bars:

Beat Butter, Sugar & Vanilla: In a bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. 

Process Oats to Get Flour: Process the gluten-free quick oats in a food processor or electric blender to get a fine oat flour. (Alternatively, you can use store-bought gluten-free oat flour instead.)

Dish by Dish Tips:

• Type of Apples: I used red apples here, but go ahead and use green apples if you prefer.
• Swap Apples for Pears: If you prefer, go ahead and use pears instead of apples in these healthy baked oatmeal bars.

Other Breakfast and Dessert Bars You’ll Love:

• Strawberry Crumble Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Raspberry Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Apple Pie Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Cranberry Bliss Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Gluten-Free Apple Recipes to Make:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Apple Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

• Author: Felicia Lim
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These apple oatmeal bars are a combination of a delicious crust, topped with tender spiced apples and a crispy oatmeal topping, in individual sizes that make them a great grab-and-go breakfast or an anytime snack. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan too.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 1 cup gluten-free quick oats, processed (or oat flour)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup dairy-free butter (1 stick)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 red apples, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup gluten-free quick oats
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dairy-free butter

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Instructions

1. Beat Butter, Sugar & Vanilla: In a bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. 
2. Process Oats to Get Flour: Process the gluten-free quick oats in a food processor or high-speed blender to get a fine oat flour. (Alternatively, you can use store-bought gluten-free oat flour instead.)
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the finely processed oats (or oat flour), cornstarch, and salt. Mix until combined to get a homogeneous crust mixture. 
4. Press Crust Mixture into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into a 9″ x 9″ baking pan lined with parchment paper. 
5. Bake Crust: Bake in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
6. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the diced apples with cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 
7. Cook Until Cornstarch Thickens: Cook the apple mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until the cornstarch thickens, but keep the apples from turning into puree. Alternatively, you can microwave the filling mixture for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mixture thickens slightly. Set aside.
8. Prepare Crumble Topping: In a bowl, combine all the crumble ingredients: instant oats, cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter. Gently mix until you get a coarse crumb; do NOT overmix.
9. Spread Apple Filling Over Crust: Spread the apple filling evenly over the baked crust. 
10. Top With Crumble Mixture: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool, cut into bars, drizzle with dairy-free caramel sauce (optional but highly recommended!) and serve. 

Notes

Oats: If you are Celiac, make sure to use certified gluten-free quick oats (this is because while oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in the same facilities as gluten-containing grains, so there is the risk of cross contamination). Alternatively, instead of processing your own oat flour, you can also use store-bought certified gluten-free oat flour instead.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch adds extra binding power to bind the ingredients together. Alternatively, if you are allergic to corn, you can also use arrowroot starch or tapioca starch instead.

Butter: I used dairy-free butter to keep this recipe dairy-free. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular butter instead.

Vanilla Extract: I like adding a bit of vanilla extract for flavor. However, if you aren’t a fan of vanilla, go ahead and leave it out instead.

Brown Sugar: I used brown sugar, but you can also use cane sugar or white sugar if you prefer.

Spices: For flavor, I’ve used ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor, if not pre-ground spices will work too.

Apples: I used red apples here, but go ahead and use green apples if you prefer.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American