Our kids love any kind of fruit bar or cereal bar and eat them just about every day. Even though I would buy organic brands of fruit bars, it’s still processed food, and buying box after box was getting expensive. I wanted a homemade option. This recipe is full of healthy whole grains and fresh fruit. The kids love them, and I’m so happy! I hope your family will agree!
This recipe is suitable for babies 12 months and up, toddlers, big kids and adults. Always make sure finger food pieces are a size your baby can handle.
Whole Grain Apple Cinnamon Bars
(makes 12 bars)
Note: Use organic ingredients whenever possible
2 cups of whole wheat flour
1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup agave (can also use honey, cane sugar or coconut palm sugar)
3/4 cup coconut oil
2 apples – washed, peeled, cored and chopped into small 1/4″ chunks
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with butter and a little flour or non-stick cooking spray. In a small bowl, toss the apples with the cinnamon so they’re coated evenly and set aside. Place the oatmeal into the bowl of your food processor. Pulse for a few seconds until oatmeal becomes powdery.
Place the oatmeal, flour and salt into a large mixing bowl and sift with a fork to make sure ingredients are evenly distributed. Add the agave, coconut oil and apples. Mix the dough until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Place the dough into the baking dish and spread evenly.
Place the baking dish into the oven on the middle rack and bake for about 40 minutes, until golden brown. Cut into bars.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature and up to a week in the fridge.
Enjoy!