Introduction

Apple Pie Bars with Streusel Topping offer the perfect balance of tender apples, a buttery crust, and a crunchy oat topping. This easy-to-make dessert captures all the flavors of a classic apple pie in a convenient bar form.

The image shows three pieces of a crumbly apple dessert stacked on a white plate against a white marbled background. Each piece has three visible layers: the bottom is a light brown, soft-looking dough base; the middle layer consists of soft, cooked apple slices with a light beige color mixed with some cinnamon-toned spots; the top layer is a thick, uneven crumb topping made of golden brown oats and crumbly bits, some parts appearing slightly sticky and caramelized. The top piece is centered and slightly elevated, showing the juicy inside of the apple filling and crumb texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
Crust:
3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Pinch salt
Crumble Topping:
3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats)
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
Step 2: Prepare the crust. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a mixer or by hand.
Step 3: In a separate small bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the butter and sugar mixture until well combined.
Step 4: Transfer the crust dough to the prepared pan. Spread evenly and press firmly, making sure to press the edges down as well. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 5: While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In a bowl, stir together sliced apples, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tbsp. flour, and 1 tsp. cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 6: Make the streusel topping. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Use clean hands or a pastry blender to cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 7: Once the crust is slightly cooled, spread the apple mixture evenly over it.
Step 8: Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples and press down lightly.
Step 9: Bake the assembled bars until the topping is golden and the apples are tender, about 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
You can substitute rolled oats with old-fashioned oats if quick oats are unavailable.
Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling enhances the warm spice flavor.
Make sure the butter is cold when preparing the streusel for a crumbly, crisp topping.

Storage

Store apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy the crisp topping and warm filling.

How to Serve

Three square pieces of a dessert sit on a white plate with ridged edges, placed on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three main layers: the bottom layer is a dense, light brown, crumbly crust; the middle layer is a smooth, pale beige filling with visible thin slices of light brown cooked apple and a slight cinnamon tint; the top layer is a thick, rough, golden-brown oat crumble with a shiny, moist appearance, speckled with cinnamon and sugar. The pieces are close together, showing the layered texture and the gooey softness inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the crust soggy.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars and store them in the fridge before baking. Let them come to room temperature before baking and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.