These Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars combine a buttery oatmeal crust, sweet-spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping for the perfect cozy treat. They’re hearty enough for breakfast yet indulgent enough for dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars deliver all the flavor of classic apple pie in a quick, hand-held form. The buttery oatmeal base adds a chewy texture, while the brown sugar and spices infuse warmth and richness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 medium apples (about 2 cups diced)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon apple pie spice
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for filling)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Prepare filling: In a saucepan, melt butter. Add diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes until softened; set aside to cool.
Make dough: In a bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and creamy. Mix in flour, oats, apple pie spice, and salt until crumbly dough forms.
Assemble: Press ⅔ of dough into pan. Spread apple filling over crust. Crumble remaining dough on top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Cool completely before slicing.
Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for crunch.
Replace apples with pears for a pear pie variation.
Stir in ¼ cup cranberry sauce to the filling for a festive touch.
Use gluten-free flour to make the bars suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Storage/Reheating
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week. Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
They’re ready when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are best for texture, but instant oats can work in a pinch—they’ll make the crust slightly softer.
Which apples work best?
A mix of sweet (Honeycrisp, Gala) and tart (Granny Smith) apples gives the best flavor balance.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. Keeping the peel adds texture and fiber.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
What can I use instead of apple pie spice?
Use 1 teaspoon cinnamon plus a pinch each of nutmeg and allspice.
How do I prevent soggy bars?
Let the filling cool before layering and ensure the bars cool completely before cutting.
Can I add caramel to this recipe?
Yes, drizzle caramel sauce over the apple layer before adding the topping.
Are these bars good for breakfast?
Absolutely! They’re wholesome enough with oats and fruit to enjoy as a morning treat.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars are the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With warm spices, tender apples, and a buttery oat crust, they bring all the joy of homemade apple pie in an easy-to-serve square—ideal for any time of day.
These Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars are a cozy, hand-held treat with a buttery oatmeal crust, warmly spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a fall-inspired snack.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 medium apples (about 2 cups diced)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar (for filling)
½ teaspoon apple pie spice (for filling)
⅛ teaspoon salt (for filling)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for filling)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add diced apples, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon apple pie spice, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large bowl, beat ¾ cup softened butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and creamy.
Add flour, oats, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
Press ⅔ of the dough into the prepared pan to form the base.
Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the crust.
Crumble the remaining dough on top of the apple layer.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and filling is bubbling.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
Add chopped nuts to the topping for crunch.
Use pears instead of apples for variation.
Mix in cranberry sauce for a festive flavor twist.
Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-sensitive version.
Let bars cool fully to avoid soggy texture when slicing.
