Apple Pie Inspired Oat Squares: A Cozy Breakfast Treat

Apple Pie Inspired Oat Squares

Oh my goodness, friends, these Apple Pie Inspired Oat Squares aren’t just a recipe; they’re a warm hug in a square, bringing back so many cozy kitchen memories! Every autumn, without fail, I find myself yearning for that classic apple pie comfort, but let’s be real, who has time for all that intricate crust work on a busy Tuesday morning? A few weeks ago, after a glorious and slightly over-enthusiastic trip to a local apple orchard, I found myself staring at a small mountain of Granny Smiths, desperately wanting to capture that quintessential pie feeling without any of the fuss.

That’s precisely when these little beauties Apple Pie Inspired Oat Squares were born out of a delicious necessity! My very first attempt was, well, a bit too much like apple oatmeal soup – delicious in its own right, but not quite the tender square I envisioned. After a tweak or two, and a little “real talk” with myself about patience (and maybe a quick glance at simpler delights like our No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars for inspiration on easy wins), these perfectly tender, richly spiced oat squares emerged from the oven. The aroma alone, filling every corner of the kitchen, was pure autumn magic.

My kiddos devoured them almost instantly, and honestly, so did I – straight from the pan, still warm and gooey. It felt like a small culinary victory, a little piece of fall magic we could all enjoy effortlessly, much like finding a new favorite treat to savor, maybe even alongside something decadent like this Chocolate Rocky Road Bliss. This recipe quickly became our family’s new obsession, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a simple dessert, and I simply cannot wait for you to experience this delightful taste of autumn with us.

Apple Pie Inspired Oat Squares: Your New Fall Favorite

Recipe by MayaCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Wholesome, spiced oat squares packed with juicy apples, reminiscent of a comforting apple pie. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat, or gluten-free all-purpose blend)

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup milk (any kind)

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 2 cups)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps of brown sugar!
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your squares might get tough!
• Gently fold in the finely diced apples. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
• Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to compact it well.
• Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the oat squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. This is important for them to set properly and not crumble.
• Once cooled, cut into 9-12 squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Apple Choices: Don’t be shy with your apples! I love a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness and texture. Just make sure they’re diced small so they soften perfectly within the baking time.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to play with your spices! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon really elevates that ‘pie’ flavor. A tiny grate of fresh ginger can also add a lovely zing, especially if you’re a ginger fan!
• Storage Secret: These squares are fantastic for meal prep! Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They even freeze well for longer enjoyment – just thaw at room temp or warm gently in the microwave!