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Apple Pie Bars with Streusel Topping Recipe

4.5 from 90 reviews

These Apple Pie Bars with Streusel Topping combine a buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping for a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these bars bring all the flavors of a classic apple pie in a convenient bar form.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling

  • 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

  1. Prepare the baking pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. In a separate small bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
  3. Press the crust: Transfer the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out and pressing firmly, especially along the edges to form a solid base.
  4. Bake the crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until it is slightly golden and set.
  5. Prepare the apple filling: While the crust is baking, combine the sliced apples, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Stir well to coat the apples evenly and set aside.
  6. Make the streusel topping: In a large bowl, mix together 3/4 cup quick oats, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in 1/2 cup cold, cubed butter using your hands or a pastry blender until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  7. Assemble the bars: Once the crust is slightly cooled, spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, pressing down lightly to adhere.
  8. Bake the assembled bars: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
  9. Cool and serve: Allow the apple pie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Serve plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • You can use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor and texture.
  • Make sure the butter for the topping is cold for the best crumbly texture.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • These bars can also be frozen before baking; thaw and bake as directed.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Keywords: apple bars, apple pie bars, streusel topping dessert, easy apple dessert, cinnamon apple bars