These Apple Crisp Bars are a warm hug on a plate! They feature sweet, tender apples topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble that’s hard to resist.
Whenever I make these, my kitchen smells amazing, and I can never wait for them to cool down. I love enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bars. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
Rolled Oats: They add a lovely texture. If you have quick oats on hand, those will work too, but avoid steel-cut oats as they won’t cook down properly.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a nice caramel flavor. If you need a substitute, use granulated sugar plus a bit of molasses for that brown sugar kick.
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their tartness and sweetness. If they’re not available, use Fujis or Golden Delicious for a sweeter profile.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferable for this recipe. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
How Do I Make the Perfect Crust for Apple Crisp Bars?
Getting the crust just right is essential. Here’s how you can achieve a great, buttery base:
- Start by mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumps.
- When you add the melted butter, stir gently until everything is crumbly. This helps create the right texture.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan for a solid base. This helps it hold together when baked.
Remember, a well-pressed crust will keep your filling from leaking through!
Apple Crisp Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes to bake. Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting, which may take an additional 30 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake evenly. While that’s warming up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some of the paper hang over the edges. This will make it easier to lift out the bars later.
2. Make The Crust Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well so all the dry ingredients are combined. Next, pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Remember to reserve about 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for the topping later!
3. Form The Crust:
Take the unreserved crumb mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Try to make it as even as possible—it’ll form a solid foundation for the fruity filling.
4. Prepare The Apples:
In a separate bowl, toss together the chopped apples with the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Make sure the apples are well-coated. This mix will create a sweet and spiced filling.
5. Assemble The Bars:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb topping generously over the apples. It should be nice and crumbly for that perfect crisp finish!
6. Bake:
Pop the pan in the oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are tender. You’ll know it’s ready partly by the delicious smell wafting through your kitchen!
7. Cool & Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This should take around 30 minutes. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares and serve either plain or with a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy!
These Apple Crisp Bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends—enjoy every bite of that warm, gooey apple filling and crunchy topping!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can also use Fuji, Golden Delicious, or any favorite apple variety. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will make for a sweeter filling.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it’s a 1:1 ratio. Oats are typically gluten-free but check the packaging to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
How Can I Store Leftover Apple Crisp Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge where they’ll last about a week. You can also freeze them! Just wrap securely and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Add Nuts to the Topping?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can add extra crunch and flavor. Just mix about 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts into the reserved topping before sprinkling it over the apple filling.
