Introduction

Apple bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery oat crust with a warm, spiced apple filling. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert, these bars bring the flavors of fall right to your kitchen with every bite.

A stack of four crumbly dessert bars arranged closely, each bar showing multiple layers with a crumbly brown top sprinkled with white drizzle, a creamy light yellow middle, and a dense crumbly base of a similar brown shade. The texture looks soft but firm, with the drizzle adding a glossy contrast on top. The bars are placed on a white marbled surface. 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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Step 4: In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix well to coat all the apples evenly.
Step 5: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the apples to create the topping.
Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the apple mixture.
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier crust.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage

Store 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 a week. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 20 seconds to enjoy them warm.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of crumbly dessert bars, each with three visible layers: a thick light brown base layer that looks soft and dense, a middle creamy beige layer that is smooth and slightly thicker, and a crumbly golden brown topping with small chunks scattered evenly. The bars are drizzled with thin white icing lines on top, adding a shiny texture. The dessert pieces are stacked closely together on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen apples but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bars soggy.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a safe alternative.

Delicious Apple Bars with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 114 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Apple Bars featuring a tender oat and cinnamon crust layered with a sweet, tangy apple filling. These bars combine the warmth of cinnamon with fresh apples for a perfect snack or dessert that is great for any season.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Prepare the crust and topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Prepare the apple filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to coat evenly. This will help thicken the filling as it bakes and add flavor.
Assemble the bars: Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking pan to form an even crust. Spread the apple filling evenly over this crust.
Add the topping: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the apple layer to create a crumbly topping.
Bake the bars: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars for 40 to 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
Cool and serve: Allow the apple bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve. These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

You can use a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji for balanced tartness and sweetness.
Ensure the butter is cold when mixing for a crumbly texture.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Apple Bars, Apple Dessert, Cinnamon Oat Bars, Easy Baking, Fall Dessert