The Best Apple Crisp Bars

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Craving the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and cozy? These easy homemade apple crisp bars are your new go-to fall treat! Packed with tender apples, a buttery oat crumble, and warm spices, this recipe turns classic apple crisp into portable bars that scream autumn. Ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or a simple weeknight dessert, these bars are simple to make and impossible to resist. If you’re an apple lover, don’t miss my Easy Apple Cinnamon Bread and Apple Pie Wontons Recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Crisp Bars

Imagine the flavors of apple pie sandwiched between layers of irresistible crumb topping – that’s exactly what these apple crisp bars deliver! This recipe fuses the comforting taste of traditional apple crisp with the convenience of bar form. They’re easy to bake, customizable, and perfect for fall baking. Whether you’re using up fresh-picked apples or just in the mood for cinnamon-spiced goodness, these bars will become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.
These homemade apple crisp bars are like a handheld version of your favorite apple crumble. Enjoy them warm with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce for a caramel apple twist, or straight from the pan. They’re versatile, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Apple pie with the crumble topping is one of my favorite pies, so turning it into a delicious bar seemed like a great idea. I love making apple crisp during the fall months, so this is like an updated version. It’s almost like a cookie bar in that you could eat it with your hands if you want, but it’s also so good warm with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Making the Apple Crisp Bars

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. (you don’t need parchment paper if you want to serve it from your baking dish.

2. Prepare the Crust and Topping:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the melted butter drizzling it over the other ingredients. Then mix to combine. Side aside 2 cups of the topping for later.

3. Layer the Crust and Topping:

• Press about rest of the streusel topping evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

4. Make the Apple Filling:

• In a separate bowl, combine the chunks of apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, flour, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.

5. Layer the Apple Filling:

• Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.

6. Add the Topping:

• Sprinkle the remaining crust and topping mixture over the apple layer, ensuring an even distribution.

7. Bake to Perfection:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.

8. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the apple crisp bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.

These delectable apple crisp bars perfectly capture the essence of autumn with their tender apples, sweet and crunchy crust, and comforting spices. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. Or you can take a slice of these apple crumble bars and give it a caramel apple vibe by finishing with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Whether you serve them at a fall gathering or savor them as a cozy night treat, these apple crisp bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Apple Crisp Bars

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Delicious and easy to make – these Apple Crisp Bars are filled with at crumble that we all love.

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Serving Size 12 pieces

Ingredients

Filling

• 6 cups apples ( I used granny smith apples) peeled and cut into bite sized chunks
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

Crust and Topping

• 1 cup butter melted
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 2 cups quick oats
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine the ingredients for the crust and topping into a bowl.  Mix until evenly combined.
• Take 2 cups of the crust and topping mix and reserve for later.  Take the remaining crust and topping mix and press evenly into a 9×13 baking dish.  Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Filling Prep

• Once you have peeled and cut your apples add them to a bowl.  Pour the lemon juice on top of the apples and toss until coated well.
• Add the remaining Filing ingredients to the apples.

Finishing up the Apple Crisp Bars

• Once the crust has baked for 10 minutes remove from the oven.  Add the apple filling mixture to the top of the crust and evenly spread out the apples on top.
• Take the remaining 2 cups of topping and evenly sprinkle on top of the apple filling.
• Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Notes

You can use your favorite apples, but a firmer apple will bake up better.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

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Tips for the Best Apple Crisp Bars

• Choose the Right Apples: Firm apples like Granny Smith hold up well during baking, preventing a mushy filling.
• Customize Your Flavors: Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the topping for extra crunch.
• Serving Suggestions: Warm these apple crisp bars and top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle for an elevated dessert.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prep the crumble and filling ahead; assemble and bake when ready.

These easy apple crisp bars capture the essence of fall with every bite – tender apples, crunchy oat topping, and aromatic spices. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a cozy tradition waiting to happen!

I hope you enjoy this yummy recipe for fall!  I know it was a hit with my family.

More Fall Baking Recipes to Try

3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake with Greek Yogurt

Countdown to Autumn Party… Pumpkin Poppers