Go Back
In today’s health-conscious world, finding delicious yet nutritious snack options can be a challenge. As more people seek out wholesome foods that fit into their active lifestyles, the demand for innovative recipes has never been higher. Enter the Zesty Zucchini Apple Oat Bars—an exciting blend of flavors and textures that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also nourish your body. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with the subtle earthiness of zucchini, creating a snack that is both delightful to eat and packed with essential nutrients.

Zucchini Apple Oat Bars

Discover the delicious world of Zesty Zucchini Apple Oat Bars, a nutritious snack that perfectly blends flavors while keeping your health goals in check. These bars combine the natural sweetness of apples and the moisture of zucchini with hearty rolled oats, creating a delightful texture. Ideal for breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or post-workout recovery, this simple recipe is packed with fiber and antioxidants, making it a tasty guilt-free treat for all!

Ingredients
  

1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 cup)

1 medium apple, peeled and grated (about 1 cup)

1 ½ cups rolled oats

½ cup whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

½ cup honey or maple syrup

1 large egg

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (or unsalted butter)

½ tsp vanilla extract

¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

A pinch of salt

½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    Prepare the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini and apple. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or cheesecloth to avoid sogginess in the bars. Set aside.

      Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.

        Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until it's smooth and well incorporated.

          Combine Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the drained zucchini and apple mixture, walnuts or pecans, and raisins if using. The batter will be thick.

            Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

              Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles.

                Store: Enjoy fresh, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    15 min | 45 min | 9 bars