When mornings get hectic and you need something wholesome yet quick, these chewy apple cinnamon breakfast bars are the answer. Packed with comforting flavors of cinnamon, apple, and oats, they offer the perfect balance of softness and chewy bite in every square. Whether you’re headed to work or getting the kids ready for school, one of these bars makes the best grab-and-go option.
Made with real fruit and warm spices, these bars are naturally sweet, hearty, and surprisingly satisfying. They can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making your mornings more efficient while still feeling homemade. They’re also portable, kid-approved, and a smart alternative to store-bought breakfast bars.
Why You’ll Love These Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
These bars are a great way to enjoy a cozy, cinnamon-spiced breakfast without needing to stand at the stove. The texture is soft and dense, with juicy apple bits in every bite. They’re naturally sweetened with a hint of maple syrup and perfect for fall mornings or anytime you crave apple cinnamon goodness.
Plus, they’re meal-prep friendly, customizable, and filled with whole ingredients that keep you fueled longer. Whether you’re avoiding refined sugars or just trying to eat cleaner, this recipe will check all the boxes for you.
Can I Use Fresh Apples or Dried?
Great question! You can use either depending on your preference. Fresh apples will give the bars extra moisture and a tender texture, while dried apples make the bars chewier with a more concentrated apple flavor. If using fresh apples, peel and finely chop them to avoid big chunks that might affect how the bars hold together. Dried apples should be chopped small as well and can be soaked briefly if they seem too hard.
Ingredients for the Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
A handful of pantry staples come together to make these cozy, chewy bars. You’ll love how simple and nourishing each ingredient is.
Old-fashioned oats provide the chewy base and fiber to keep you full longer.
Almond flour adds softness and a nutty undertone without needing regular flour.
Ground cinnamon brings warm spice and is essential to the flavor of these bars.
Salt enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors.
Maple syrup offers natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with apple and cinnamon.
Applesauce keeps the bars moist and adds extra apple flavor without chunks.
Chopped apples (fresh or dried) bring texture and a punch of real fruit in every bite.
Egg binds everything together and helps the bars set.
Vanilla extract gives a gentle aroma and flavor boost.
Coconut oil adds richness and helps keep the bars tender.

How To Make the Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir to combine. Fold in the chopped apples gently, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting out. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before slicing into bars.
How to Serve and Store These Bars
These chewy apple cinnamon bars are ideal for meal prep. Once baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. This recipe yields 9 thick bars, perfect for breakfast or a midday snack.
Warm them slightly in the microwave and top with a bit of nut butter or yogurt for an even more satisfying treat. They travel well, making them great for school lunches, commutes, or outdoor picnics.
What to Serve With Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars?
Greek Yogurt and Honey
A scoop of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey pairs wonderfully with the warm spices in the bars.
Scrambled Eggs
Add protein to your breakfast with a side of fluffy scrambled eggs.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A bright, colorful fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the dense chewiness of the bars.
Cottage Cheese
Mild, creamy cottage cheese balances the sweetness and keeps you full longer.
Warm Chai Tea
The spices in chai blend beautifully with cinnamon and apples, making this a cozy drink pairing.
Peanut Butter Drizzle
Drizzle a little warmed peanut butter on top of the bar for extra flavor and energy.
Green Smoothie
Pair your bar with a spinach-banana smoothie for a vibrant, nutrient-packed combo.
Iced Coffee
For busy mornings, nothing beats an iced coffee and one of these chewy breakfast bars.
Want More Breakfast Ideas?
If you loved these chewy apple cinnamon bars, you might enjoy these other breakfast-worthy dishes from Mia Plates:
- Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Muffins for a veggie-packed start to your day.
- Fluffy Banana Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a protein-rich and naturally sweet breakfast.
- Sausage Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole for a hearty weekend treat.
- Keto Breakfast Plate with creamy eggs and healthy fats.
- Breakfast Roll-Ups that are perfect for freezing and reheating on busy days.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.
I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Did you use fresh or dried apples? Did you sneak in some raisins or nuts? Leave a comment below and let’s inspire each other with new ideas.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more morning favorites on Mia Recipes on Pinterest.

Chewy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
Description
These chewy apple cinnamon breakfast bars are the perfect make-ahead breakfast packed with wholesome oats, cinnamon, and real apple. Great for busy mornings, these healthy breakfast bars are gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup almond flour
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup maple syrup
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped (or ½ cup dried apple, chopped)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, applesauce, egg, vanilla, and melted coconut oil until smooth.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry mix and stir until evenly blended.
5. Fold in the chopped apple, mixing to distribute evenly.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 28–32 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and transfer to a rack. Let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh apples for a moist, soft texture or dried apples for a chewier bite.
These bars freeze beautifully—slice and wrap individually for a ready-made snack.
If your apples are extra juicy, pat them dry before adding to the mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 18mg


