Apple Bars Recipe

Introduction

These apple bars are the perfect blend of soft, crumbly crust and sweet, spiced apple filling. Easy to make and ideal for fall gatherings or an everyday treat, they deliver all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 3 cups fresh apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3: Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to form a firm base. Bake for 10–12 minutes to set.
4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, toss the chopped apples in a bowl with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let sit for a few minutes to combine flavors and coat the apples.
5. Step 5: Spread the apple mixture over the partially baked crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for clean slices.
8. Step 8: Whisk powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze and drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Fuji, for balanced flavor and texture.
• Let the bars cool fully before slicing to help them hold together better and create cleaner cuts.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
• Skip the glaze if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
• If you’re short on time, feel free to skip the glaze entirely; the bars are delicious without it.

Storage

Store apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen—wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or warm slightly in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these apple bars?

Yes! Cut the bars into squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.

What kind of apples are best for apple bars?

A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, works best to balance the flavors and textures in these bars.

Apple Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

These apple bars offer a perfect balance of soft, crumbly texture with a sweet and tangy apple filling, infused with warm spices. Easy to prepare and ideal for fall gatherings, breakfast, or a cozy dessert, they feature a buttery oat crust topped with a luscious apple mixture and a simple powdered sugar glaze.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Crust and Topping

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Apple Filling

• 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped (preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to enable easy removal of bars after baking.
2. Make the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping.
3. Press the Base: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the back of a spoon or measuring cup to compact firmly. Bake the crust for about 10 to 12 minutes to set and develop a slight golden color.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the crust bakes, toss the peeled and chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Allow the apples to sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the cornstarch begins thickening the fruit.
5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples.
6. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
7. Cool and Slice: Let the apple bars cool completely in the pan to ensure they hold together well and slice cleanly.
8. Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving for added sweetness.

Notes

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Fuji for the best flavor and texture contrast.
• Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean, neat squares.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a crunchy variation.
• Omit the glaze if you prefer less sweetness.
• The bars freeze well when individually wrapped; thaw in the fridge or warm slightly before serving.

Keywords: apple bars, apple dessert, fall dessert, easy apple recipe, apple crumb bars, cozy dessert, baking with apples, oat crust bars