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–+ servings

Healthy Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Bars (No Added Sugar)

Soft, chewy no sugar added oatmeal raisin bars made with applesauce and whole grains for a wholesome snack.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 258
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour spoon and level for accurate measuring
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce ensure no added sugar
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted or a neutral vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional; omit for nut-free bars

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8x8-inch baking pan with oil or line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold everything together just until no dry flour remains; do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts or pecans, if using, so they are distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the pan cool completely before slicing into 12 bars.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8.3gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 202mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10g

Notes

To keep these bars tender, fold the batter only until the flour disappears; overmixing makes them dense.
For a nut-free version, leave out the walnuts or use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Be sure to use unsweetened applesauce; any added sugar will change the flavor and sweetness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. These bars also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Cut the bars only after the pan has cooled completely, otherwise they will crumble.
Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries make good swaps for the raisins.
Sprinkle in chia seeds or ground flaxseed along with the dry ingredients for extra fiber and omega-3s.

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