Description

These apple crumb bars feature tender, cinnamon-spiced apples sandwiched between layers of buttery oat-packed crust and crumb. They’re easy to make, customizable, and deliver all the cozy flavors of fall in a shareable dessert bar.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour (or use half whole wheat for nuttier flavor)
1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats preferred)
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 medium apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for topping)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Caramel sauce, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Stir to blend.
Add cold, cubed butter and vanilla extract. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles chunky, damp sand with pea-sized bits of butter. If too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons cold water.
Press about 2/3 of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even base.
In a small bowl, toss diced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. For a jammy filling, cook apples in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes until just softened and syrupy.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pressed crust.
Scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the apples in craggy clumps. Sprinkle nuts on top if using.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumb is golden and apples are bubbling at the edges. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 25 minutes.
Let bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Lift out using parchment overhang. For cleaner slices, chill for another hour.
Slice into 12 bars. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel if desired.

Notes

For best texture, use cold butter and avoid overmixing the crumb. Precooking apples helps prevent soggy bars, especially with juicy varieties. The recipe is flexible—swap in pears, cranberries, or nuts as desired. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. Bars slice best when fully cooled or chilled.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12 of recipe)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 90
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 31
Fiber: 2
Protein: 2

Keywords: apple crumb bars, fall dessert, apple bars, easy apple dessert, oat crumb bars, homemade apple bars, autumn baking, apple recipes, dessert bars, comfort food