Beginnerbakes
Back to Recipes

Breakfast Baking

Winter Spiced Quinoa and Apricot Breakfast Bars - Easy Healthy Breakfast Recipe

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished May 7, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
American 40 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepwinter-bakingwhole-grainfruitmorning-bakefreezer-friendlylow-sugarnut-freesnackminimal-ingredients

Delicious and nutritious Winter Spiced Quinoa and Apricot Breakfast Bars that are easy to make, beginner-friendly, nut-free, and naturally low in sugar. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack and freezer-friendly for meal prep.

Winter Spiced Quinoa and Apricot Breakfast Bars - Easy Healthy Breakfast Recipe
Prep 15 min
Cook 25 min
Total 40 min
Servings 12
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Total40 min
Servings12
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
Add To Favorites

Ingredients

Servings 12
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (use pre-cooked or leftover quinoa, cooled)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. If using flax egg, mix ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, rolled oats, chopped apricots, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, honey or maple syrup, egg or flax egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined and sticky. The batter should hold together but remain thick.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly using a wet spoon or clean hands to prevent sticking.
  7. Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  8. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to allow bars to firm up.
  9. Lift bars out using parchment overhang and cut into 12 equal pieces.
  10. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Ingredient Substitutions for Winter Spiced Quinoa and Apricot Breakfast Bars to Fit Your Needs:

  • Cooked Quinoa: Replace with cooked millet or amaranth for similar whole-grain texture.
  • Rolled Oats: Use gluten-free oats if needed or ground almonds if nuts are permitted.
  • Dried Apricots: Substitute with dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried figs for variety.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce: Swap for mashed banana or pumpkin puree for moisture and different flavor.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan-friendly sweetening.
  • Egg or Flax Egg: Use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or chia egg as vegan binders.
  • Spices: Try cardamom or allspice for unique winter flavors.
  • Baking Powder: Replace with 1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 tsp cream of tartar if unavailable.

These substitutions maintain the bars’ beginner-friendly, nut-free, low-sugar, and whole-grain profile while keeping the cozy winter spice essence.

Equipment Needed

Essential Equipment for Making Winter Spiced Quinoa and Apricot Breakfast Bars:

  • 8-inch square baking pan: Ensures even baking and shaping.
  • Parchment paper: For easy food release and clean-up.
  • Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for dry ingredients and a smaller one for wet ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurement for consistent results.
  • Whisk or fork: To blend wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Spoon or spatula: For mixing and pressing the batter into the pan.
  • Small bowl: Useful for preparing flax egg (vegan substitute).
  • Wire rack: Allows bars to cool properly for perfect texture.
  • Toothpick or skewer: To test doneness during baking.

Having these tools ready will make the beginner-friendly baking process stress-free and successful.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Quinoa: Use cooked, cooled quinoa. Leftover quinoa saves time and works well. To cook quinoa, rinse with cold water and simmer with 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa for about 15 minutes until tender.

Rolled Oats: Provide chewiness and texture. Quick oats can be used for softer bars.

Dried Apricots: Chop finely to spread sweetness uniformly. Alternatives include dried peaches, cranberries, or raisins.

Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness. Substitute with mashed banana or pumpkin puree for variety.

Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners and binders. Use maple syrup for vegan and nut-free variations.

Egg or Flax Egg: For vegan baking, make a flax egg by mixing 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water and letting it rest 5 minutes until gelatinous.

Vanilla Extract and Spices: Fresh spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg) add warming winter flavor.

Baking Powder and Salt: Use fresh baking powder for proper rise and fine salt for even flavor distribution.

Tip: Slightly wet your hands or spoon before pressing mixture into the pan to avoid sticking.

Oven Note

Oven Tips for Perfectly Baked Winter Spiced Quinoa and Apricot Bars:

  • Preheat fully to 350°F (175°C) for even baking throughout.
  • Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature, preventing under or overbaking.
  • Place baking pan on the oven’s middle rack for optimal heat distribution.
  • Avoid opening the oven door during baking to maintain consistent heat and texture.
  • After baking, cool bars completely in the pan on a wire rack to firm up before cutting.

Following these steps guarantees beginner-friendly, consistent, and delicious results every time.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Simple Upgrades to Customize Your Winter Spiced Quinoa and Apricot Breakfast Bars:

  • Add Crunch: Stir in 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch.
  • Spice Mix: Enhance winter flavors with a pinch of ground clove or cardamom.
  • Fresh or Frozen Fruit: Add 1/4 cup chopped blueberries for extra juiciness.
  • Sweet Topping: Drizzle melted dark chocolate or coconut butter after cooling for indulgence.
  • Vegan Option: Use flax eggs as a moist, egg-free binder.
  • Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create kid-friendly shapes from cooled bars.
  • Serving Suggestion: Warm a bar and serve with dairy-free yogurt or nut-free butter for a comforting breakfast.

These ideas enhance flavor and texture while keeping the recipe easy and beginner-focused.

Related Articles

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

Sign In To Review

No reviews yet.

Newsletter

Stay In The Loop

Get fresh recipes, articles, and updates from Beginnerbakes.