Easy Apple Pie Bars with Oat Crumble Topping
These apple pie bars combine the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie in an easy-to-make bar format. A buttery oat crumble serves as both the base crust and crumbly topping, while tender cinnamon-spiced apples create the perfect filling. The bars slice cleanly and are ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or when you want apple pie flavors without the fuss of rolling pastry. An optional maple glaze adds extra sweetness and makes them look bakery-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free
use finely ground almond flour
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into small pieces
- 4 cups crisp tart baking apples, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4-inch thick
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ recipe Maple Glaze(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare baking dish with butter and parchment paper extending on two sides
- 2
Mix flour, brown sugar, oats, and salt in medium bowl
- 3
Cut in butter with pastry cutter or fork, then knead with fingers until even dough forms with no dry flour bits
- 4
Crumble dough into small pieces and reserve 1 1/2 cups for topping
- 5
Press remaining crumbles into prepared pan to form even crust layer using bottom of measuring cup
- 6
Toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- 7
Spread apple mixture evenly over crust
- 8
Sprinkle reserved crumbles over apples in even layer
- 9
Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour until top and edges are golden brown
- 10
Cool on rack for 20 to 30 minutes, then lift out using parchment
- 11
Cool completely to room temperature before cutting into 16 squares
- 12
Drizzle with maple glaze if desired before serving
Tips
Be patient when kneading the butter into the flour mixture - it takes time to get an even dough with no dry bits.
Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust layer flat and even for best results.
Let bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices that hold their shape.
Good to Know
Store up to 1 day at room temperature, 1 week refrigerated with parchment between layers, or 3 months frozen
Can be made 1 day ahead and stored at room temperature or refrigerated up to 1 week
Bring refrigerated bars to room temperature before serving for best texture
Common Mistakes
Don't rush the butter incorporation step or you'll have uneven crumbles
Avoid cutting bars before they're completely cool or they'll fall apart
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, use any crisp baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Avoid soft apples that will become mushy when baked.
What if I don't have a pastry cutter?
You can use two forks or a food processor to cut the butter into the flour mixture, or use your fingers to work it in.
How long do these bars keep?
Store at room temperature for 1 day, refrigerated for 1 week, or frozen for 3 months. Thaw frozen bars completely before serving.