Apple Bars Recipe

Introduction

These apple bars offer the perfect balance of tender apples and a buttery oat crust, making them a delicious treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare and full of warm cinnamon flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crust and topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
• 4 cups peeled, chopped fresh apples
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apple filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and the first portion of cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1½ cups of this mixture for the topping.
3. Step 3: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan, creating the crust. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in another bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, the second portion of cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld.
5. Step 5: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
7. Step 7: Allow the apple bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan. To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with enough milk (1–2 tablespoons) to reach a drizzle consistency, then drizzle over the cooled bars if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier filling, or sweeter varieties like Fuji for a milder flavor.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apple filling before adding the topping.
• If you prefer a spiced apple flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the filling.
• Make sure the butter is cold before cutting it into the dry ingredients to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.

Storage

Store the apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving to bring back their fresh-baked warmth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples are ideal for the best texture and flavor, but if you use frozen apples, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the bars.

Can these apple bars be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Ensure oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Apple Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 601 reviews

These homemade Apple Bars feature a buttery oat crust topped with a spiced, tender apple filling and a crumbly streusel topping. A simple powdered sugar glaze adds a touch of sweetness, making these bars perfect for a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat during apple season.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Crust and Topping

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes

Apple Filling

• 4 cups peeled, chopped fresh apples
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 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 Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust and Topping Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1½ cups of this crumb mixture for the topping.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and set.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the crust bakes, toss the chopped peeled apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Let the mixture rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld and for the cornstarch to absorb moisture.
5. Assemble and Bake Bars: Spread the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the apples. Return to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges.
6. Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper edges. Mix powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to make a drizzle glaze and spread it over the cooled bars, or enjoy them plain.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture.
• Ensure the butter is very cold for a crumbly, flaky crust and topping.
• Letting the bars cool thoroughly helps the filling set properly before slicing.
• Optional nutmeg adds warm spice but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Adjust the milk amount in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency.

Keywords: apple bars, apple dessert, oat crust, cinnamon apple bars, easy apple recipe, fall dessert