Healthy Peanut Butter Apple Pie Bars

These Healthy Peanut Butter Apple Pie Bars are a wholesome twist on classic dessert flavors, offering cozy spices, soft apple goodness, and a creamy peanut butter frosting—all in one bite. Naturally sweetened and made with nutrient-rich ingredients like almond flour, applesauce, and coconut oil, these bars are the perfect snack or dessert for fall—or any time you’re craving something comforting yet clean.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are soft, warmly spiced, and loaded with natural sweetness. The applesauce gives them a moist, tender crumb, while chopped nuts and raisins add texture and depth. Topped with a decadent peanut butter and coconut butter frosting, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy. Gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and customizable, they’re a guilt-free treat you’ll want on repeat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour

• 1 cup oat flour

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1/4 cup unrefined melted coconut oil

• 1/3 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup

• 1 1/4 cups applesauce

Extras (optional):

• 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• 1/4 cup golden raisins

Frosting:

• 1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter

• 1/4 cup coconut butter

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or raw honey

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• A pinch of sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×10-inch rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients: almond flour, oat flour, cinnamon, sea salt, and baking soda.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients until fully combined: egg, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and applesauce.

4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.

5. Fold in chopped nuts and raisins, if using, with a silicone spatula.

6. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

7. Bake for 33–35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Allow bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

9. While bars are cooling, make the frosting: Add peanut butter, coconut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy.

10. Gently spread the frosting over the cooled bars using an angled spatula.

11. Slice into bars and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 33–35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter and omit the nuts.

• Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).

• Add Texture: Stir in chopped apples or shredded coconut.

• Spiced Up: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a more complex spice profile.

• Chocolate Lovers: Fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–6 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Reheating: Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature; no reheating required.

FAQs

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your oat flour is certified gluten-free, this recipe is completely gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought applesauce?

Yes, just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid overpowering sweetness.

What’s a good substitute for coconut butter?

You can use additional peanut butter or almond butter if needed, but the frosting texture will be slightly different.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make them up to two days in advance and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I skip the frosting?

Yes, the bars are still delicious on their own, especially if you’re looking to cut down on sweetness.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze unfrosted bars and frost them fresh after thawing for best texture.

What can I use instead of almond flour?

You can try cashew flour or a mix of oat and coconut flour, but results may vary slightly.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, but the frosting won’t be as smooth. It’ll have a more rustic texture.

Are these bars kid-friendly?

Definitely! They’re soft, naturally sweet, and packed with nutritious ingredients.

Can I turn these into muffins?

Yes! Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 20–22 minutes.

Conclusion

Healthy Peanut Butter Apple Pie Bars are a delicious way to enjoy fall flavors in a wholesome form. With cozy cinnamon spice, natural sweetness, and a creamy nutty topping, these bars are satisfying without the guilt. Whether you’re making a healthy treat for your family or meal prepping snacks for the week, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

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