Dessert

Apple Bars Recipe

ByLily Cross October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Introduction

These apple bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery oat crust, tender spiced apples, and a crumbly topping. Perfect for snacking or dessert, they combine comforting flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite.

The image shows a close-up of a stack of crumbly apple crumble bars. Each bar has three layers: a golden-brown crumbly crust at the bottom, a soft, light yellow apple filling in the middle that looks juicy and tender, and a crunchy, darker brown streusel topping with small crumbs on top. White icing is drizzled in thin lines over the top of the bars, adding a glossy texture. The bars are stacked unevenly on a white marbled surface, with soft natural light highlighting the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1½ cups of this crumb mixture for the topping.
Step 3: Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Meanwhile, toss the chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples.
Step 6: Bake again for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly around the edges.
Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan. Mix powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk to create a glaze and drizzle over the cooled bars, or enjoy plain.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties for balanced flavor and texture.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
To make the bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.

Storage

Store apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to restore the crispiness.

How to Serve

A stack of square dessert bars with three visible layers: a thick, crumbly golden brown base, a smooth light cream middle layer, and a crumbly golden brown topping scattered unevenly with small chunks. The top is lightly drizzled with a glossy white icing, adding a soft shine and contrast to the textured surface. The bars are stacked closely together on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface, capturing a cozy and inviting look. 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?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen apples well before using to avoid excess moisture that can make the bars soggy.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. The bars actually taste better after the flavors meld overnight. Just store them covered in the fridge or at room temperature as noted above.