Name: Baked Oatmeal Apricot Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats; 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or 1/8 cup all-purpose flour + 1/8 cup regular whole wheat flour); 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 1 cup chopped fresh apricots; 1 egg (or 1 flax egg - 3 tablespoons water + 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed); 1 cup Almond Breeze Almondmilk Unsweetened Vanilla; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

These baked oatmeal apricot bars are a health-conscious home cook’s dream come true—bursting with juicy apricots, lightly sweetened with maple syrup, and loaded with fiber-packed oats. They’re chewy, wholesome, and perfect for breakfast on the go or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free baked oatmeal bars if you use certified GF oats!

We developed this recipe to show you that nourishing snacks can be just as delicious as the indulgent treats you love. After testing several variations, we’ve fine-tuned the balance of textures and flavors to create bars that are soft enough to sink your teeth into, yet sturdy enough to hold together for easy portability. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a satisfying snack, these bars are here to make eating well effortless.

Why These Baked Oatmeal Apricot Bars Are Good for You

Rich in fiber: The combination of oats, apricots, and almonds supports healthy digestion while keeping you full longer.
Naturally sweetened: Pure maple syrup and fresh fruit deliver sweetness without refined sugars.
Nutrient-packed: Apricots provide vitamin A and antioxidants, while almonds contain healthy fats and vitamin E to boost brain health.
Versatile dietary fit: This recipe can easily be made vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many different lifestyles.
Easy portion control: Pre-cut into bars, so you have a perfectly balanced snack ready whenever hunger hits.

Wholesome Ingredients for These Baked Oatmeal Apricot Bars

Every ingredient in these healthy apricot snack bars was selected for its nutrition, flavor, and function. Here are the key players:

Old-fashioned oats: A great source of complex carbs and fiber to provide energy without blood sugar spikes. Opt for certified gluten-free oats if needed.
Fresh apricots: Bursting with vitamin A and natural sweetness. Choose apricots that are firm yet slightly tender for the best balance of texture and juiciness.
Slivered almonds: Add a satisfying crunch and a dose of protein and healthy fats. Swap with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener packed with antioxidants and minerals. Adjust the amount to taste or replace with agave for a vegan twist.

Baked Oatmeal Apricot Bars Recipe Details

Servings: 8 BARS
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients for Baked Oatmeal Apricot Bars

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or 1/8 cup all-purpose flour + 1/8 cup regular whole wheat flour)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup chopped fresh apricots
1 egg (or 1 flax egg – 3 tablespoons water + 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed)
1 cup Almond Breeze Almondmilk Unsweetened Vanilla
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

How to Make Baked Oatmeal Apricot Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and slivered almonds.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg (or flax egg), almond milk, and maple syrup until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, then gently fold in the chopped apricots.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is firm to the touch.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 8 squares. Enjoy fresh or store for later!

How to Customize These Baked Oatmeal Apricot Bars for Your Diet

Make them vegan: Use a flax egg in place of the regular egg.
Make them nut-free: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Boost protein: Stir a scoop of vanilla protein powder into the batter.
Lower calorie: Swap maple syrup for a low-calorie sweetener like monk fruit.
Keto-friendly: Replace oats with a low-carb granola and use erythritol for sweetness.

Our Team’s Tips for the Best Baked Oatmeal Apricot Bars

Cool completely before slicing: Cutting warm bars can result in crumbly edges. Patience pays off!
Freeze for meal prep: Wrap each bar individually in foil or plastic wrap, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a sweeter snack, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or use sweetened almond milk.
Add texture: Sprinkle in unsweetened shredded coconut or a handful of raisins for extra variety.
Test for doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Baked Oatmeal Apricot Bars FAQs

Can I use dried apricots instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just rehydrate the dried apricots in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping and adding to the batter.

Are these bars gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend, these bars will be completely gluten-free.

How do I store these baked oatmeal apricot bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Can I add other fruits to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap apricots for peaches, nectarines, or berries for a different flavor profile.

We hope these baked oatmeal apricot bars inspire you to eat more nourishing, homemade snacks! What’s your favorite healthy recipe to meal prep? Let us know in the comments below!