Vegan Apple Oatmeal Bars
I make these apple oatmeal bars at least once a month, practically year-round. They're made with warm spices and pure maple syrup, making them especially delicious and extra cozy in the fall and winter months.
Equipment
- 9-inch square pan
Ingredients
Base
- 1 ¼ cup gluten-free oats
- 1 ¼ cup gluten-free flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 stick dairy-free butter melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 4 large Granny Smith apples peeled and diced
- ½ lemon freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Topping
- ½ cup gluten-free flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350° F.
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Combine lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Once dissolved, add diced apples and sauté for 5-7 minutes to create the filling. Set aside.
- Add the base ingredients to a small-sized mixing bowl and stir to combine. The mixture may seem a bit dry, but it will come together in the next step.
- Line a 9x9-inch square pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the pan with your hands, flattening it to make an even layer.
- Pour sautéed apples over base layer and spread evenly.
- In a small mixing bowl, create a crumb topping by combining gluten-free flour, dairy-free butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Allow baked bars to cool slightly, about 10-15 minutes, before slicing into nine squares.
- Enjoy for breakfast or brunch, or serve as a cozy fall dessert.