Applesauce Crunch Snack Bars
These delectable Applesauce Crunch Snack Bars are a delightful and nutritious solution for busy parents looking to provide their little ones with healthy snacks. Crafted with a base of whole grains and naturally sweetened with applesauce and raisins, these bars are not only delicious but also versatile! Feel free to customize the recipe by substituting your favorite cereals or adding in other dried fruits or nuts. Perfect for playdates or lunchboxes, these bars are free from eggs and honey, making them suitable for even the youngest eaters. Enjoy a hassle-free way to keep your toddlers happy and nourished!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cereal
2 cups (Any type of cereal (Cheerios, corn flakes, Chex, Kix, etc.))
raisins
1 cup (Or substitute with other dried fruits)
whole wheat flour
3/4 cup (None)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (Packed)
cinnamon
1-2 teaspoons (To taste)
butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
applesauce
1/2 cup (Unsweetened preferred)
soy flour
1-2 tablespoons (Optional, for added protein)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cereal, raisins, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and applesauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
If desired, add 1-2 tablespoons of soy flour for an extra protein boost.
4
Lightly spray a 9x9 inch baking pan with cooking spray. For bite-sized snacks, you can use a jelly roll pan instead.
5
Pour the mixture into the pan and press down evenly to create a solid layer.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the bars are crisp and golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can cook faster than expected.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Cut into bars or crumble into snack-sized pieces.
8
Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature. For us, they rarely last more than a couple of days, so their shelf life is still a mystery!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Applesauce Crunch Snack Bars?
Applesauce Crunch Snack Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack made with whole grains, applesauce, and raisins, designed to be healthy and toddler-friendly.
Are these snack bars egg-free?
Yes, these bars are made without eggs, making them suitable for those with egg allergies or for very young children.
Do these bars contain honey?
No, this recipe is honey-free, which makes it safe for infants and toddlers.
What kind of cereal should I use for this recipe?
You can use any type of cereal such as Cheerios, corn flakes, Chex, or Kix.
Can I customize the ingredients in these bars?
Yes, you can substitute cereals, add different dried fruits, or include nuts to suit your preference.
How much cereal is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of your chosen cereal.
What type of flour is used?
This recipe uses 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour for a base of whole grains.
Is there a way to add extra protein to the bars?
Yes, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of soy flour for an optional protein boost.
How much applesauce is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of applesauce, and unsweetened is preferred.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 20 to 30 minutes until they are crisp and golden.
What size pan is recommended for baking?
A 9x9 inch baking pan is standard, but you can use a jelly roll pan for bite-sized snacks.
How do I prepare the pan?
Lightly spray the baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Should the butter be melted?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
What kind of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
Can I use something other than raisins?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with any other dried fruits of your choice.
How much cinnamon should I add?
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, depending on your taste preference.
How do I ensure the bars have a solid layer?
After pouring the mixture into the pan, press it down evenly to create a solid layer before baking.
Are these bars good for school lunchboxes?
Yes, they are perfect for lunchboxes as they are easy to pack and nutritious.
How should I store the leftover bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
While they are often eaten quickly, they can be kept in an airtight container for several days.
Can I crumble these bars?
Yes, once baked and cooled slightly, you can either cut them into bars or crumble them into snack-sized pieces.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is a simple one-bowl mixing process followed by pressing into a pan and baking.
What color should the bars be when finished?
The bars should be golden brown and crisp when they are done baking.
Can I use sweetened applesauce if I don't have unsweetened?
Yes, though unsweetened is preferred to keep the sugar content lower.
Do I need to mix the ingredients in a specific order?
You can combine the cereal, raisins, flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and applesauce together in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly.
Is the soy flour necessary for the recipe to work?
No, the soy flour is purely optional for extra nutrition.
Are these bars suitable for a playdate snack?
Yes, they are an excellent, hassle-free snack for playdates.
Can I use nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows for the addition of your favorite nuts.
Why should I keep an eye on them while baking?
They can sometimes cook faster than expected, so monitoring helps prevent over-browning.