Apple Bars

Apple bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with a crumbly oat topping. These bars are perfect for dessert, an afternoon snack, or even a breakfast on the go. They are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Why make this recipe

Making apple bars is a great way to use up fresh apples, especially during the apple harvest season. They are simple to prepare and offer a balanced taste of sweet and tart. These bars are also versatile—you can enjoy them plain or with a glaze on top. Plus, they keep well, making them ideal for meal prep or potlucks.

How to make Apple Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
4. In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
5. Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.
8. To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars before serving.

How to serve Apple Bars

Serve apple bars as a delightful snack or dessert. You can enjoy them warm or cold, plain or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzling the glaze on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes them even more appealing.

How to store Apple Bars

Store apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips to make Apple Bars

• Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
• Make sure the butter is cold when mixing; this helps create a flaky topping.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to avoid messy pieces.
• Feel free to experiment with spices; adding a pinch of ginger or cloves can give a nice twist.

Variation

You can customize these apple bars by adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Another variation is to include dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet and tangy contrast.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! These bars can be made with pears or mixed berries for a different flavor.

2. How can I make these bars healthier?
Try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or using less sugar.

3. Can I make the bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Apple Bars

Apple bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with a crumbly oat topping, perfect for dessert, snacks, or breakfast on the go.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust and topping

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups old-fashioned oats
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed ensure butter is cold
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg optional

For the filling and glaze

• 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped choose a mix of sweet and tart apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk for glaze, use as needed

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Reserve 1.5 cups of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Filling

1. In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).

Baking

1. Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
3. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.
4. To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars before serving.

Notes

Store apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped individual bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.