These bars are everything you love about apple desserts—sweet, spiced apples, a crunchy oat topping, and a tender crust—all in one convenient bar. They’re simpler than a pie, great for sharing, and work well as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast. Plus, they travel beautifully and can be made ahead.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Unsalted butter, melted
Apples (peeled and chopped, preferably firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Lemon juice
Cornstarch or flour (to thicken the filling)
Vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla until evenly coated.
Spread the apple mixture over the crust in an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the apples.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple layer is bubbling slightly at the edges.
Let cool completely before slicing into bars. For cleaner cuts, chill the bars for 1–2 hours in the fridge.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 to 16 bars. Preparation time: 20 minutes Baking time: 45 minutes Cooling time: 1 hour Total time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes (plus cooling)
Variations
Add nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Caramel drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for a decadent finish.
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend and gluten-free oats.
Spice it up: Add nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the apple filling for a warm spice blend.
Berry blend: Mix diced apples with fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual bars for about 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes. You can also freeze the bars. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for these bars?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape and balance the sweetness with tartness.
Can I peel the apples ahead of time?
Yes, peeled and chopped apples can be stored in lemon water in the fridge for a few hours to prevent browning.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but rolled oats give the topping a better texture.
Do I need to cook the apples first?
No, the apples cook in the oven and soften perfectly during baking.
How do I keep the crumble topping from getting soggy?
Make sure the apple mixture isn’t too wet and bake until the topping is golden and crisp.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time may need to be increased slightly.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The top should be golden brown and the filling should bubble slightly around the edges.
Can I add caramel or toffee bits?
Absolutely. Mix caramel chips or chopped toffee pieces into the crumble or sprinkle on top before baking.
Are these good for making ahead?
Yes, these bars taste great the next day and hold up well in the fridge or freezer.
Conclusion
Apple Crumble Bars are a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers the flavors of apple pie with far less effort. With a tender crust, juicy spiced apples, and a buttery oat topping, they’re perfect for any occasion from fall gatherings to holiday tables—or just a sweet treat anytime.
Apple Crumble Bars are a layered dessert featuring a buttery oat crust, spiced apple filling, and a golden crumb topping. They offer all the flavors of apple pie in an easy-to-make, handheld treat perfect for any time of year.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 20 minutes
Yield:12 to 16 bars
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch or 2 tbsp flour (to thicken filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly.
Press two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan to form an even crust.
In another bowl, toss chopped apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla until coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the apples.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly at the edges.
Let cool completely in the pan. For clean cuts, refrigerate for 1–2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.Add chopped nuts or caramel drizzle for extra flavor.Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.Let bars cool fully before cutting to help them hold their shape.For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oats and flour blend.
