Apple Crisp Bars
Why You’ll Love These Apple Crisp Bars
Apple crisp bars are one of those foolproof desserts anyone can make. Here’s what makes them extra special:
Cozy fall flavors: Cinnamon, brown sugar, oats, and apples—nothing beats it.
Texture heaven: Soft apple layer + buttery oat crust + crumbly topping.
Easy ingredients: Everything is simple and typically already in your pantry.
Perfect for sharing: Great for parties, holiday gatherings, or meal prep.
Bake once, enjoy all week: They store wonderfully and taste even better the next day.
If you want a dessert that feels homemade, nostalgic, and comforting without requiring hours in the kitchen, these bars are exactly what you need.
Ingredients You Need
Below is a simple breakdown of the crust + crumble ingredients and the apple filling.
Crust + Crumble Layer
This mixture does double duty! You’ll press most of it into the pan for the crust and sprinkle the rest on top for the crumble.
old-fashioned oats
all-purpose flour
brown sugar
cinnamon
salt
baking soda
unsalted butter, melted
egg whites
vanilla extract
Apple Filling
Fresh apples + a few simple ingredients make the perfect gooey layer.
apples
brown sugar
cinnamon
lemon juice
cornstarch
Best Apples for Apple Crisp Bars
Almost any apple works, but some are better for baking because they hold their shape and provide the right sweetness.
The best varieties:
Honeycrisp – sweet, crisp, perfect texture
Granny Smith – tart, sturdy, great balance
Pink Lady – firm with a bright flavor
Fuji – sweet and juicy
Braeburn – excellent for baking
Avoid apples that get mushy when baked, like Red Delicious.
If you want the bars to have more dimension, use two different kinds.
Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp Bars
Here are some helpful tips that make all the difference:
✔ Dice apples small and evenly
Small cubes cook quicker and give a more cohesive texture to the bars.
✔ Don’t skip the cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens the filling and prevents the crust from getting soggy.
✔ Pack the crust firmly
This helps the bars hold together when sliced.
✔ Let the bars cool fully before cutting
Warm bars will crumble. Cooled bars slice cleanly.
✔ Line your pan with parchment
This makes lifting and slicing so much easier.
Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Crust + Crumble:
1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup flour
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking soda
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 egg whites (about ¼ cup)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Filling:
3 medium apples, peeled and diced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
How to Make Apple Crisp Bars
This recipe comes together in a few easy steps. Here’s how to make perfect bars with minimal effort.
Step 1: Prep your apples
Peel and dice your apples into small, even pieces. The more consistent the dice, the more evenly the filling will cook.
In a bowl, toss the apples with:
brown sugar
cinnamon
lemon juice
cornstarch
The lemon juice brightens the flavor and prevents browning, while the cornstarch thickens the filling as the bars bake.
Let this mixture sit while you prepare the crust—it helps the apples release their juices and blend with the sugar and spices.
Step 2: Make the crust and crumble
In a large bowl, combine:
oats
flour
brown sugar
cinnamon
salt
baking soda
Stir well to distribute the dry ingredients.
Then add:
melted unsalted butter
egg whites
vanilla
Mix until everything is fully combined. The mixture should look slightly wet but crumbly, similar to a crisp topping.
Reserve about ¾ cup of this mixture for the topping.
The rest will form your crust.
Step 3: Press the crust into the pan
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make lifting easy.
Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Use the back of a measuring cup to pack it tightly—this helps the bars stay together once sliced.
Step 4: Add the apple layer
Spoon the apple filling evenly over the crust. Make sure the apples reach the edges so every bar has the perfect amount of filling.
Step 5: Add the crumble topping
Take the reserved oat mixture and sprinkle it evenly on top of the apples. The crumble will bake into a slightly crisp, golden topping that contrasts with the soft apple layer underneath.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until:
the topping is golden
the apples are soft
the edges look set
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial—they firm up as they cool.
Storage Tips
One of the best parts of this recipe is how well the bars store.
Room temperature
Store tightly covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps for 5–6 days. The bars actually get even more flavorful as the juices settle.
Freezer
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are some easy swaps, depending on dietary needs and what you have on hand.
Gluten-free
Use certified GF oats + a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Lower sugar
Swap half the brown sugar with coconut sugar.
Dairy-free
Use melted vegan butter or melted coconut oil.
No oats?
Replace oats with crushed graham crackers and reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons.
Serving Ideas
Apple crisp bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:
Warm with vanilla ice cream – classic fall pairing
Drizzled with caramel sauce
Sprinkled with extra cinnamon sugar
Paired with coffee or hot apple cider
They’re also perfect for holiday dessert boards or autumn gatherings.
FAQ
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double everything and bake in a 9x13 pan. Increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.
Can I use quick oats?
Quick oats work, but the texture will be softer. Old-fashioned oats give the best crumble.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the skins on for extra fiber.
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes—replace the butter with vegan butter or melted coconut oil.
Can I make these ahead?
Definitely. These bars taste even better the next day.
Why did my bars fall apart?
They may have been cut too warm, or the apples released too much liquid (usually from skipping the cornstarch).
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! You can reduce the brown sugar in both the crust and filling by 25–30% without affecting structure.
These apple crisp bars are one of the easiest and most comforting fall desserts you can make. With a buttery oat crust, a sweet cinnamon apple filling, and a golden crumble topping, they deliver all the cozy flavors of apple crisp in a portable bar format.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or slow fall weekends, this recipe is a reader favorite for a reason—simple ingredients, minimal prep, and the best homemade flavor.
