If you’re anything like me and most of the world’s population, you probably struggle with making healthy choices when it comes to breakfast and dessert. We’ve all been there: you’re rushing around with your makeup half done, hair in a messy bun (hey, that’s considered chic, right?), and doing the pants dance to get those skinny jeans on.
It’s oh-so tempting to reach for that sugar-laden oreo poptart as you head out the door. STOP! This is the perfect time to implement an easy and small habit change that will help you reach your goals:
Prepare healthy and delicious breakfast options that will keep you feeling full, energized, and ready to take on the day! By making this one small change, you set yourself up to success by starting off on the right foot and inspiring yourself to make healthy choices for the remainder of the day. And boy, do I have the perfect recipe for you!
These Healthy Apple and Berry Fruit Bars are packed full of whole wheat flour, oats, and fruit – a combination that will not only make your taste buds dance, but will keep you feeling much more satisfied than that oreo poptart ever could! Not only are they easy to make, but they’re extremely portable and ideal to take on the go in the car or on your way to school. All it takes is 45 minutes of baking and you have a healthy breakfast and dessert option for over a week!
These beauties have a delicious and hearty crust that is complemented by a sweet fruit filling and topped with more of the crust in the form of a streusel – a combination that will make your heart sing.
Let’s break down this recipe and see how it can help you reach your goals of becoming a healthier and happier you.
The crust and streusel are both made using both whole wheat flour and oats, which boost the fiber content. Fiber is absolutely essential to any diet and helps prevent constipation, lowers your cholesterol, and helps stabilize your blood sugar to keep you from that energy-draining sugar crash and feeling full longer. Not only that, but whole wheat flour also contributes several vitamins, namely folate and B-1, B-3, and B-5 vitamins, which white flour lacks due to the refining process.
The filling is as simple as combining chunky applesauce and frozen berries, which also add to the fiber and nutrient content of the bars and help give them their perfectly sweet and tart flavor!
These beauties have a delicious and hearty crust that is complemented by a sweet fruit filling and topped with more of the crust in the form of a streusel - a combination that will make your heart sing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup quick cook oats
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/3 butter, cubed
- 1 cup chunky applesauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, make the crust and streusel. Mix together the flour, oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and baking soda. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the butter. Reserve 1/2 cup of the crust mixture.
- Press the crust into a 9x12 ungreased baking pan.
- In another bowl, stir together the applesauce, sugar, and vanilla extract. Gently mix in the frozen berries. Spread the fruit mixture on top of the crust, topping with the reserved crumb mixture.
- Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool completely, then cut into 20 evenly sized bars.
Notes
Christine is a health and body image activist who is passionate about creating recipes that combine delicious and fresh ingredients with nutrition. Located on the coast of California, she enjoys spending time hiking, exploring new restaurants, and leading an active lifestyle. She is currently studying to become a physical therapist and runs her own growing food and fitness blog, Apple of My... Read More
Melanie
What temperature??
FitBodyHQ
Whoops! Bake at 350 degrees 🙂
BrittRM
Do you no how many calories?