Easy Apple Crisp Bars

Save this recipe on:

Golden, buttery, and bursting with warm cinnamon-spiced apples, these Easy Apple Crisp Bars are everything you love about apple crisp — but in portable, sliceable bar form. Each bite is layered with tender chunks of apples hugged by a brown sugar oat crumble that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re enjoying one for dessert, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or even a quick breakfast treat, these bars deliver cozy, homemade comfort in every square.

Unlike a traditional apple crisp that needs a spoon, these bars hold together perfectly for snacking or sharing. They offer the perfect balance of soft apple filling and crunchy topping, making them ideal for potlucks, lunchboxes, or simply curling up with a warm cup of coffee on a chilly day. Let’s dive into what makes them so irresistible.

---

Ingredients for Easy Apple Crisp Bars

• For the Crust and Topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Apple Filling:
  • 2½ cups peeled, chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

---

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

---

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.
Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork or spatula until the mixture becomes crumbly and moist.

Set aside about ¾ cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust.

---

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
Spoon this filling over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.

---

Step 4: Add the Crumble Topping

Take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the apple layer. Press down very gently to help it adhere but not so much that it becomes flat.

---

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set before slicing.

---

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed. Optional: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for extra indulgence!

---

Storage Instructions

To keep your Easy Apple Crisp Bars fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure the bars have fully cooled to prevent moisture build-up.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days. They taste great chilled or slightly warmed.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a quick treat.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Per bar (based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~215
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 85mg

(Note: These are approximate values and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide a heartier bite.

2. What are the best apples to use?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or crisp-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp are best. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats.

4. How do I reheat the bars?

Warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by 5–10 minutes as needed.

6. Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Not immediately, but if keeping longer than 2 days, refrigeration is recommended for freshness.

7. Can I add nuts or raisins?

Definitely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or a handful of raisins add great flavor and texture.

8. Can I use canned apple pie filling?

You can, but fresh apples give a better flavor and texture. If using canned, reduce added sugar slightly.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: