Easy Apple Crisp Bars are the perfect blend of a buttery crust, warm spiced apples, and a crumbly oat topping, making them a must-have dessert for any cozy occasion. This dessert takes inspiration from traditional apple crisp but adds a convenient twist by transforming it into bars that are easy to share and serve. With wholesome ingredients like apples, oats, and a hint of cinnamon, these bars deliver a comforting taste that’s ideal for fall and winter gatherings. Naturally adaptable, you can make these bars gluten-free, vegan, or lower in sugar while maintaining their delicious flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
- Packed with Wholesome Ingredients
Apples and oats bring fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making these bars a more nutritious option for dessert lovers. - Warm, Comforting Flavors
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar provide a cozy, spiced sweetness that complements the tartness of apples for a balanced, flavorful dessert. - Easy to Make and Serve
These bars come together with minimal prep time, and the bar format makes them easy to slice, serve, and even freeze for later. - Customizable for Different Diets
With simple ingredient swaps, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower in sugar to suit various dietary needs.
Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
Warm spiced apples and a buttery oat crumble make these Apple Crisp Bars the ultimate treat for cozy afternoons and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2️⃣ Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the ingredients form a dough-like consistency. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to create the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
4️⃣ Layer the Filling
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, pressing down gently to create an even layer.
5️⃣ Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple layer.
6️⃣ Bake
Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
7️⃣ Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out, then cut into squares and enjoy!
Cooking Tip: Use a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and sweet.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these apple crisp bars warm or at room temperature, and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. They’re also delicious with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage and Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To enjoy frozen bars, thaw them in the fridge or reheat them briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.
Variations of Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
- Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Bars
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and crumble topping. Ensure the oats are certified gluten-free as well to make these bars fully gluten-free. - Vegan Apple Crisp Bars
Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter to make these bars dairy-free and vegan-friendly. The coconut oil adds a slight flavor but works wonderfully with the apple and cinnamon. - Low-Sugar Apple Crisp Bars
Use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or a granulated sugar alternative. Reduce the amount slightly if you prefer a more natural sweetness from the apples. - Nutty Apple Crisp Bars
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for a nutty flavor and added crunch. This variation brings an earthy richness that pairs well with the spices.
FAQs
- What type of apples work best for these bars?
A combination of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, offers the best flavor balance and texture. - Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier crumble, while quick oats will be softer. - How can I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?
Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes and use a touch of flour in the apple filling to absorb excess moisture from the apples. - Is it possible to make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit any nuts in the crumble topping if you decide to add them in the variation section. - How do I reheat the bars without drying them out?
To reheat, warm the bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. Covering them loosely with foil helps retain moisture. - Can I use another fruit instead of apples?
Yes, pears make an excellent substitute for apples. Adjust the sugar in the filling to taste, as pears tend to be sweeter. - How can I make the topping crispier?
Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the topping and bake until it’s golden brown. This creates a delicious caramelized texture. - Can I freeze the bars for meal prep?
Yes! These bars freeze well. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge or microwave. They’re a great make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.
Easy Apple Crisp Bars bring the best of both worlds with a delicious blend of spiced apples, buttery crust, and a crisp oat topping. These bars are versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just craving a cozy treat. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, they’re a great addition to any baking repertoire and are sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the flavors of fall with this simple, satisfying dessert!