Healthy 5-Minute Homemade Snack – Oat Apple Bars
This quick and delicious homemade dessert is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet snack without the guilt! It’s packed with the goodness of oats, apples, and nuts, and it’s a great way to curb cravings while still staying on track with your health goals. You can enjoy it three times a day as a healthy snack to support weight loss, thanks to its balance of fiber, healthy fats, and protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- â…” cup of warm milk (150 ml)
- 2 apples, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine (melted)
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds
- Vegetable oil for greasing
Instructions:
- Preheat the Pan: Grease a non-stick skillet or frying pan with vegetable oil, or use a small pan or skillet that’s suitable for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk the eggs, warm milk, melted butter (or margarine), and vanilla extract together until well combined.
- Add the Oats and Apples: Stir in the rolled oats and grated apples. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon here for extra flavor if you like. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Add Nuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts or almonds. These nuts provide a healthy crunch and add healthy fats and protein.
- Cook the Mixture: Pour the mixture into the prepared skillet. Spread it evenly and cook over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges start to brown and the center is firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the snack is set, remove it from the pan and let it cool slightly before slicing into bars or squares. Enjoy warm or let it cool completely before storing.
Notes:
- Consistency: If the mixture feels too thick, add a bit more warm milk to adjust the consistency to your liking. You want it to hold together, but not be too dry.
- No Sugar Added: This snack is naturally sweetened by the apples, so there’s no need for added sugars.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to add extra flavor.
- Serving Size: This recipe will yield 4-6 bars or squares, depending on the size you cut them.
Tips:
- Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store them in the fridge for 5-7 days for longer shelf life.
- Make it Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk).
- Boost Protein: To make it more filling, you can add a scoop of protein powder or a tablespoon of chia seeds.
- Reheat Option: If you prefer a warm snack, simply heat them in the microwave or in a skillet for a few seconds.
Servings:
- This recipe makes 4-6 servings, depending on how large you cut your bars or squares. It’s perfect for a daily snack or dessert.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 200-250 kcal (depending on size and ingredients used)
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g (healthy fats from nuts and butter)
- Fiber: 3g (from oats and apples)
- Sugar: 8g (naturally from apples)
- Sodium: 100mg
Health Benefits:
- Supports Weight Loss: The oats provide fiber, which promotes fullness and aids in digestion. Apples are low in calories and high in fiber, while nuts add healthy fats that keep you satisfied.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Walnuts and almonds offer omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which are great for heart health.
- Boosts Energy: This snack contains a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, giving you steady energy throughout the day.
- Rich in Nutrients: Apples are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, while oats provide essential minerals like magnesium and iron.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use other types of milk? A: Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer—almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work well. Just choose an unsweetened variety for a healthier option.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut? A: Absolutely! You can use any nuts you like—cashews, pecans, or hazelnuts all work great in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Q: Can I substitute the apples for other fruits? A: Yes, you can try substituting apples with grated carrots, pears, or even mashed bananas for a different flavor.
Q: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes! These bars freeze well. Simply wrap them individually or place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for a warm treat.
Q: Can I use a different sweetener? A: This recipe is naturally sweetened with apples, but if you’d like it a bit sweeter, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Enjoy these easy, healthy, and tasty homemade oat apple bars as a daily snack or dessert that helps you stay on track with your health goals while satisfying your sweet tooth!