Apple Oat Crumb Bars are a delightful twist on classic apple pie, combining buttery oat layers with a warm, spiced apple filling. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for cozy gatherings or an afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easier than making pie crusts
Perfectly spiced apple filling with cinnamon and nutmeg
Buttery, oat-filled layers that bake into golden perfection
Great for dessert or as a snack
Pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 sticks salted butter, frozen and grated
6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups rolled oats
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add apples and sauté until slightly softened. Stir in cornstarch slurry, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Add grated butter and mix until crumbly.
Press half the oat mixture into the baking dish to form the crust.
Spoon the apple filling evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top and press lightly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool completely before slicing. Serve with vanilla ice cream.
Add ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the crumb mixture.
Stir in ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries with the apple filling.
Drizzle a simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk over cooled bars.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
FAQs
How do I keep the bars from becoming soggy?
Make sure the apple mixture is slightly thickened before layering to prevent excess moisture.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are preferred for better texture; quick oats can make the bars too soft.
What apples work best?
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
How do I know when the bars are done?
They’re ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, but add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt to balance the flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking pan or two 9×13-inch pans.
Should I peel the apples?
Yes, peeling helps achieve a smooth, tender filling.
Can I add caramel?
Yes, drizzle caramel sauce over the apple layer before adding the topping.
What’s the best way to cut neat bars?
Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife for clean edges.
Conclusion
These Apple Oat Crumb Bars combine the nostalgic comfort of apple pie with the ease of a crumble. With buttery oat layers, warm spices, and tender apples, this dessert is perfect for any season and guaranteed to please every crowd.
Apple Oat Crumb Bars are a cozy dessert with layers of buttery oat crumble and spiced apple filling. Easier than pie, they’re perfect for gatherings, snacks, or serving with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
2 sticks salted butter, frozen and grated
6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups rolled oats
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the grated butter. Add apples and sauté until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Add the remaining grated butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your hands until crumbly.
Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Spoon the apple filling evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apples and press lightly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
Cool completely before slicing. Serve plain or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor (e.g., Granny Smith and Honeycrisp).
For a nutty crunch, add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb mixture.
Bars slice best when fully cooled—chill for cleaner cuts.
Can be frozen up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce or powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
