Introduction

Apple pie bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie in a convenient, handheld form. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly oat topping, these bars are perfect for dessert or a cozy snack.

Three square pieces of apple crumble bars are placed close together on a white plate, each bar showing three clear layers: a light golden brown crust at the bottom, a thick middle layer of thinly sliced apple filling with a slightly glossy texture, and a crumbly, uneven golden brown topping with small chunks and a rough texture. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour (for filling)
1 tsp. cinnamon (for filling)
3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature (for crust)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
2 cups all-purpose flour (for crust)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (for crust)
Pinch of salt (for crust)
3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats, for topping)
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for topping)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (for topping)
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the crust by creaming together the 3/4 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in 2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until the apples are well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer.
Step 4: For the topping, combine the oats, brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Step 5: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple layer. Press lightly to help it adhere.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, for balanced flavor and texture.
Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the oat topping for extra crunch.
If you prefer a deeper cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the filling and topping by 1/2 teaspoon each.
To make these bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to enjoy the warm, soft texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of three square dessert bars on a white plate with ribbed edges, each bar showing three visible layers: a light golden brown crumbly topping with a rough texture, followed by a middle layer of thin, soft apple slices with a light tan color, and a bottom layer of firm, pale golden crust. The bars are arranged in a triangular shape on the plate, which rests on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the crumbly texture and the soft, moist interior of the bars. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples are best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to avoid a soggy crust.

How do I prevent the topping from burning?

If the topping browns too quickly, cover the bars loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning while the apples cook through.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 65 reviews

Delight in these luscious Apple Pie Bars, combining tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat crumble for a perfect blend of textures and flavors. This easy-to-make dessert captures all the charm of traditional apple pie in convenient, handheld bars, ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting treat any day.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling

8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cinnamon

Bottom Layer

3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Pinch salt

Topping

3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats)
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions

Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and thinly sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss well to evenly coat the apples. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the crust.
Make the bottom crust: In a separate mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually blend in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until a smooth dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust.
Assemble the bars: Spread the apple filling evenly over the prepared bottom crust layer, making sure the apple mixture is well distributed.
Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the 1/2 cup cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Top and bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan to set before slicing into squares. Serve plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Notes

Use tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Allow the bars to cool fully for clean slicing to avoid the filling spilling out.
Quick oats are used in the crumble topping for a delicate texture; old-fashioned oats can be substituted but may alter texture slightly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

Keywords: apple pie bars, apple dessert bars, cinnamon apple bars, easy apple dessert, baked apple bars, oat crumble apple bars