Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (180g) Old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tsp (2g) Ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp (1g) Baking powder
  • ¼ tsp (1.5g) Fine sea salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) Unsweetened applesauce
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) Pure maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp (42g) Melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large (approx. 150g) Granny Smith apple, finely diced
  • ¼ cup (30g) Chopped walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Stir in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until the oats are fully saturated and the batter looks cohesive.
  4. Gently fold in the diced apple pieces and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
  5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula to prevent crumbling.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the edges are deep golden brown and the center feels firm to a light touch.
  7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes to allow the natural binders to set before lifting the parchment paper and slicing.