These irresistible and easy Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect way to satisfy your apple dessert cravings with very little fuss. With just 15 minutes of prep, a buttery oat base is topped with tender, cinnamon‑kissed apples and a crunchy oat crumble. Enjoy as finger food or serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat.
This recipe was originally published October 2016 and updated July 2022.
If a buttery, crumbly oat topping gets you excited, these Apple Crumble Bars are for you. Inspired by other crumble bar variations, this version swaps in a gooey apple filling for a classic apple‑crisp flavor. They’re simple to prepare and easy to share—great as portable finger food or plated with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
These bars are ideal for apple lovers and are forgiving to make: mix the oat crumble, toss the apples in cinnamon and brown sugar, press, assemble and bake. They also make a convenient make‑ahead dessert for gatherings.
Why You Will Love These Apple Crumble Bars:
- Super easy. The method is straightforward: combine the oat mixture, toss the apples with sugar and spices, press and bake. No complicated steps or special equipment required.
- Make ahead friendly. Bake in advance, chill, then slice and serve when guests arrive—one less task at the last minute.
- Kid‑friendly to prepare. Kids can help measure, stir the crumble and toss the apples, making this a great recipe to cook together.
Apple Crumble Bar Ingredients:
- Apples: Fresh apples work best—Gala or Fuji are recommended for their sweetness and texture, though use your favorite. You can peel them or leave the skin on. In a pinch, canned apple pie filling can be used, but it may make the bars messier to eat.
- Brown sugar: Used in both the oat crumble and the filling. Light or dark brown sugar works; light is preferred here.
- Cinnamon: Added to both apple filling and crumble for warm flavor. Adjust to taste.
- Corn starch: Helps thicken the apple layer so it’s saucy rather than watery. Arrowroot can be substituted.
- Lemon juice: Fresh is best, but bottled juice is fine to prevent the apples from browning and to brighten the filling.
- Quick oats: Use quick‑cooking oats for the best texture. If you only have rolled oats, pulse briefly in a food processor or blender to break them down. For gluten‑free bars, use certified gluten‑free oats.
- Flour: All‑purpose flour is used in the crumble. You can substitute a 1:1 gluten‑free flour if needed.
- Sea salt: Balances the sweetness; table salt can be used instead.
- Baking powder: A small amount adds lightness to the crumble. Make sure it’s fresh.
- Butter: Melted unsalted butter yields rich flavor; salted butter will work if preferred.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor.
Step‑By‑Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Dice the apples (peel if you prefer). In a bowl, toss the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice and corn starch. Set aside to macerate.
- In a separate bowl combine the quick oats, flour, baking powder and sea salt. Add brown sugar and cinnamon, then whisk to combine.
- Add melted butter and vanilla to the dry oat mixture and stir until incorporated. The mixture should be crumbly and slightly moist.
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment. Press about two‑thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the base. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pressed crust, leaving behind any excess liquid.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apples and gently press so it settles into the fruit—no need to compress it firmly.
- Bake 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and crisp. Allow to cool for at least an hour before slicing; chilling for a couple of hours makes cleaner slices. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Recipe Tips
- Cutting can be messy: For neater slices, refrigerate for several hours before cutting.
- Want a distinct apple layer? Slice the apples thinly and layer them instead of dicing. Diced apples help the bars hold together better, while slices create a more defined apple layer.
- Press the bottom layer well: Firmly pressing the base helps the bars stay intact when sliced.
- Spice variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice for extra warmth.
Storage:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days, or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm or humid to prevent the topping from softening.
To freeze, wrap individual slices well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer‑safe container or add a layer of foil. Freeze up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
Reheating Your Bars:
To refresh the crisp topping, reheat under the broiler for a few minutes or warm in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Bars are also delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Other Apple Recipes:
- Air Fryer Apples
- Apple Sage Stuffing
- Cinnamon Apple Baked Donuts with Apple Cider Glaze
- Apple Pie Egg Rolls
- Easy Apple Dump Cake
- No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
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Apple Crumble Bars
Ingredients
For Oat Bar and Crumble Topping
- 1 ½ cups quick oats (regular or gluten free)
- 1 ½ cups all‑purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten‑free substitute)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp sea salt
For Apples:
- 3 medium apples, small diced (about 3½–4 cups)
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, combine apples, ¼ cup brown sugar, lemon juice, 1 tsp cinnamon and corn starch. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 2–3 tsp cinnamon, sea salt and baking powder.
- Stir in melted butter and vanilla until the mixture holds together in moist crumbs.
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment. Press two‑thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the pan. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the base.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the apples and bake 30–35 minutes until golden. Cool completely (or chill) before cutting. Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
Notes
- Messy to cut: Refrigerate several hours for cleaner slices.
- Apple layer appearance: Slice and layer apples for a distinct look; dice for better structural hold.
- Press the base: Firm pressure helps the bars hold together.
- Spice it up: Try nutmeg, allspice or pumpkin spice if desired.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 44 g,
Protein: 3 g,
Fat: 16 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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