If you love the flavors of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples combined with a buttery, crunchy crumb topping, then you are going to adore this Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe. It takes the beloved apple crisp and transforms it into a handheld treat that’s perfect for sharing, serving at gatherings, or just sneaking a bite whenever the craving strikes. With tender, juicy apples nestled between layers of oat and spice, these bars make cozy afternoons even better and are an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, and each one plays a crucial role in balancing texture and taste. From the hearty old fashioned oats to the fragrant spices, this list delivers everything you need to create those iconic crisp and tender layers perfectly.
- Old fashioned oats (1 ½ cups): Provides a chewy base with wholesome texture that holds the bars together beautifully.
- Flour (¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon, divided): Helps bind the mixture and keeps the crumb topping tender yet structured.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds caramel-like sweetness and moisture to both crust and topping.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons, divided): Injects that signature warm, spicy apple pie essence into the bars.
- Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon, divided): Offers a subtle nutty aroma that lifts the apple filling’s flavor.
- Ground cloves (¾ teaspoon, divided): Brings a deep, aromatic punch that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes, balancing the flavors.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): A pinch that helps the crumb rise slightly, giving a light texture.
- Butter (8 tablespoons, melted): Infuses richness and creates that delectably crisp golden topping.
- Peeling and slicing baking apples (6 cups, about 3 large): The star of the show; their tartness and firmness hold up wonderfully when baked.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the apples perfectly without overpowering their natural flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the apple filling, preventing browning and adding a fresh zing.
How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees to ensure even baking from the start. Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later. This little setup step makes all the difference, giving you perfectly shaped bars with minimal fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Oat Crust and Topping Base
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, ¾ cup flour, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon cloves, salt, and baking soda. When everything is evenly mixed, pour in the melted butter and stir until you get a crumbly yet slightly sticky mixture. Set aside 1 cup of this oat mixture for the topping, then press the remainder firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This press-down crust will form a sturdy, flavorful foundation for your bars.
Step 3: Toss the Apple Filling
Next, in a large bowl, toss together the peeled and thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, the reserved 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves. This coating ensures the apples bake up perfectly tender without becoming soggy, while the spices burst through each bite with a comforting warmth.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly over the oat crust layer you prepared. Afterward, crumble the reserved 1 cup of oat mixture over the apples, creating a delightful crumb topping. Cover the whole dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in for the initial baking phase, which makes the apples amazingly juicy.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. The top should be golden brown and crisp, with a fragrant aroma filling the kitchen. Once baked, transfer the dish to a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing—this resting time helps the layers set and makes cutting much neater.
How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These apple crisp bars are delicious on their own, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream instantly elevates them to dessert perfection. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts on top to add contrast in texture and deepen the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn these bars into part of a larger spread, consider pairing them with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or a rich latte. The warm spices in your drink will harmonize wonderfully with the bars, making each bite and sip a cozy experience worth savoring.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve these bars on a rustic wooden platter or in a vintage-style tin lined with parchment for a charming farmhouse feel. You can also drizzle a little warm caramel sauce over each slice before serving to add a decadent finishing touch that’s as stunning as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge is fine and helps maintain freshness longer, ensuring every bite stays tender and flavorful.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully, making them an excellent option for batch baking. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delightful texture or taste.
Reheating
To reheat, remove the wrapping and warm your bars in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 20-second burst in the microwave works, but reheating in the oven helps maintain that crisp topping beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness and firmness, you can experiment with other varieties depending on your taste. Just keep in mind that softer apples may result in a slightly mushier filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This swap won’t compromise the texture or flavor, letting everyone enjoy these scrumptious bars safely.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the bars?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make fantastic additions to the oat mixture or sprinkled on top for extra texture and flavor. Just add about ½ cup when mixing the crumble topping for a delightful twist.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the crumb topping turns a lovely golden brown, and you can see the apple filling bubbling gently around the edges. The aroma of spices and baked apples filling your kitchen is also a good sign that they’re perfectly baked.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, scaling up this Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe is straightforward—just double all ingredients and bake in a 9 x 13-inch pan. You might need to increase baking time slightly; keep an eye on the bars and remove them when the topping is golden and the filling bubbly.
Final Thoughts
With its irresistible combination of spiced apples, buttery oat crumble, and convenient bar form, this Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe is a true gem to have in your baking repertoire. Whether it’s a cozy family dessert or a treat to impress guests, I promise you’ll find endless ways to enjoy these bars. So grab those apples, dive in, and let your kitchen fill with the comforting scents of fall wherever you are. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Apple Crisp Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple crisp dessert, combining a buttery oat crust and crumb topping with a warm, spiced apple filling. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, they’re simple to make and sure to satisfy your apple craving.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats
- ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon flour (divided)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon ground cloves (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted
- 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced baking apples (about 3 large apples)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over all four sides for easy removal later. Set aside.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, ¾ cup flour, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon cloves, salt, and baking soda. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until combined. Set aside 1 cup of this oat mixture for topping and press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly with the spices and sugar.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Crumble the reserved 1 cup oat mixture on top of the apples as the crumb topping. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lift the bars out by the parchment paper edges and slice into 12 bars. Cover loosely until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use baking apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- The lemon juice helps prevent apples from browning and adds a subtle brightness.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
