Apple Pie Bars with Streusel Topping Recipe
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.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Prepare the baking pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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