Nothing says autumn to me more than apple recipes, and these apple & pecan bars are a fabulous way to use up your apples.

I’ve made them quite a few times to get the right consistency, and I think they are finally right.  Crispy on the outside but still soft in the middle. The addition of apple sauce means they not only have a fantastic apple flavour, but they also have a great texture. It also keeps the bars moist, so you need less oil and maple syrup (so it keeps the bars healthier too!).

Is it easy to make apple & pecan bars?

These lovely bars could not be easier to make. Simply add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix well, top with some apple slices and bake until golden.

They only take 5 mins to prep and 25 mins to bake and the smell in your kitchen will be amazing. 

In fact, I think this is a great apple & pecan bar recipe for beginners to try.

What ingredients do you need to make apple & pecan bars?

One of the great things about these bars is that they are refined sugar free and are full of simple, good-for you ingredients.

They contain the following simple ingredients:

• Oats 
• Pecans
• Ground cinnamon and ginger
• Unsweetened apple sauce
• Maple syrup
• Coconut oil  
• Almond butter 
• Apple slices

Oats

Packed with soluble fibre, oats provide complex carbohydrates to keep your energy from flagging. They also contain micronutrients like magnesium, iron, and manganese. 

Pecans 

They are a rich source of healthy monounsaturated fats. Pecans also provide plant-based protein and fibre and contain important vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. They are also one of my favourites!!

Ground cinnamon & ginger

Not only do they add an amazing flavour, but both of these spices are also  really good for you. Cinnamon is known for its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and may help lower blood sugar levels. 

Ground ginger also has antimicrobial properties, helping to support the immune system and protect against infections. It can also help with nausea.

Apples 

One of the most abundant autumnal fruit, apples (and apple sauce!) are a great source of fibre, particularly soluble fibre like pectin, which aids digestion. They are high in vitamin C too, which boosts the immune system, and contain flavonoids and polyphenols that offer powerful antioxidant benefits. You can either use a store-bought apple sauce/puree or make your own.

Maple Syrup

A natural sweetener, maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness without the need for more refined sugars. It’s a good source of antioxidants and contains small amounts of essential minerals like manganese, zinc, and iron. Making the bars yourself means you can judge how much sugar you add. I add a 1/4 cup but add more or less depending on your own tastes. 

Coconut Oil

Instead of using processed vegetable oils, this recipe uses coconut oil to bind the ingredients together. It is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These fats are quickly absorbed by the body, providing a fast source of energy. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties and my preferred source of fats in sweet treats.

Almond Butter

Almond butter provides a rich and creamy texture that helps bind all the ingredients together. It is a fantastic source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats. It’s also packed with protein, making these bars quite filling too. It’s also rich in vitamin E. Try and ensure you use a natural nut butter with just nuts (and maybe a little sea salt).

Why you should try this recipe!

This recipe is a fantastic one to add to your list of easy bakes. The bars are perfect for after-school snacks, when you need a pick me up in the afternoon or for handy snacks on the go.  And being so easy to make, you’ll want to try them again and again.

If you do try them, let me know in the comments what you think! 

I hope you like them as much as I do!

Recipe Tips

• I use organic gluten-free rolled oats for this recipe.  Oats are naturally gluten-free, but can become contaminated in the production process, hence many people who are gluten free avoid them.  Any oats will work though.
• If oats aren’t for you, then sub with quinoa or buckwheat flakes.
• I’ve added ginger as well as cinnamon but if you would prefer just cinnamon then just leave the ginger out.
• I cut into 9 large square bars but you can cut into smaller squares or slices if you prefer.  
• Try and find an unsweetened apple sauce if you can, or if you have an abundance of apples, then you can make your own.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to check out these other oat bars:

Oat & Coconut Date Bars

Easy Lemon Oat Bars

Walnut & Tahini Oat Bars

Pistachio & Cranberry Oat Bars

Almond & Cherry Granola Bars