Apple Crisp Bars

These Apple Crisp Bars are a delicious fall dessert that is easy to make and guaranteed to be enjoyed by all! I adore traditional apple crisp, and this recipe is similar, but you can cut it into bars once it has cooled.

The bottom layer is a sweet oat cake, followed by a mouthwatering layer of apples. The topping is another layer of oats that creates a streusel-like topping. 

Love dessert bars like these crazy good Apple Crisp Bars?? Then you need to try these incredible Magic Cookie Bars. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You only need eight simple pantry staple ingredients.
• Delicious dessert ready in under an hour.
• Perfect to take for parties, potlucks, get-togethers, and bake sales.
• Wonderful fall dessert that can still be enjoyed year-round.
• Great way to use up those fall apples.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Oats
• Butter
• Brown Sugar
• Flour
• Baking soda
• Apples
• Sugar
• Cinnamon

How to Make Apple Crisp Bars

• Step One: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a square baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  Step Two: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oat mixture ingredients. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared dish.

• Step Three: Arrange apple slices over the oat mixture in the dish. Dot with butter. Sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar.
• Step Four: Cover the apples with the remaining oat mixture.

• Step Five: Bake for 40 minutes until the top oat mixture is a beautiful golden brown. Cool. Cut into squares and serve.

What To Serve With These Crispy Apple Crisp Bars

• Caramel Rice Krispie Bars
• Drizzle some Caramel Sauce on top
• Caramel Apple Cupcakes
• Caramel Apple Dump Cake
• Caramel Coffee Milkshake

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Store them in the fridge, but heat them before you enjoy the leftovers again.
• If you burn the apple bars, you can combine maple syrup and honey and drizzle them over them. The sweetness of the two helps disguise the burnt flavor.
• You can make these up to 2 days in advance. The top layer will not be as crispy, but it will still be super delicious and flavorful. 

Variations and Substitutions

• Try one type of apple or use a variety of kinds to make each bite magical.
• You can use salted butter or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
• You can add a dash of vanilla extract to the apple layer if desired. 

Storage Instructions

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Leftover Apple Crisp Bars should be stored in an airtight container. I like to store mine in layers, with parchment paper or wax paper between the layers so they don’t stick together. You can store these in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

These crisp bars are best served at room temperature or warm. To reheat them, pop them in a baking dish in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or until they’re warmed all the way through again. 

Our bars never last more than a day or two since they’re so tasty!

Can I Freeze?

Sure can! I suggest wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before storing them in a freezer-safe container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag. 

These dessert bars can be stored for up to 3 months. Let them thaw and come to room temperature before enjoying them. 

Toppngs

When I made my apple bars, I enjoyed mine with whipped cream. My first choice was vanilla ice cream, but we were out. In my opinion, vanilla ice cream and apple or anything go together, like peanut butter and jelly. 

You can also add some crushed nuts on top if you like them. Pecans and walnuts would be wonderful. 

Don’t be afraid to drizzle on some chocolate sauce, caramel, honey, pure maple syrup, or even butterscotch sauce to jazz these apple crisp squares up. 

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

I used Gala apples because I had them on hand. Gala Apples are mildly sweet. If you have a different variety of apples on hand, try them. 

As long as they’re a type of apple that you typically enjoy, you’ll love them in this. If I used any of the tart apples, like Granny Smith, McIntosh, Pink Lady apples, and Cortland apples, for this recipe, I would try to add some sweet apples to balance it. 

But, you do what makes you and your belly happy!

Can I Use Different Fruits? 

If this apple crisp bar recipe sounds like something you’d like, but you don’t have apples, feel free to swap them out for other fresh fruit. Berries, peaches, or even ripe pears would all be yummy. 

Why Is It Runny?

If your apple layer is more runny and not letting the rest of the crisp stay together or form nice bars, it’s probably because you didn’t use the right amount of baking soda and flour in the oat layer. 

Using baking soda and flour helps absorb some of the moisture from the apple layer and makes it thicker instead of just apples, juices, and other wet, runny stuff.

Remember not to dip your measuring cup straight in the flour when measuring it, as that’s not the best way to get an accurate amount. Spoon your flour into the cup and use a knife to level it off at the top so you don’t overpack the measuring cup. 

Apple Recipes

• Apple Crisp
• Apple Raisin Cake
• Apple Magic Dessert 
• Caramel Apple Cookies
• Apple Spice Cake
• Apple Cake with Butterscotch Sauce
• Maple Apple Pudding
• Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
• Apple Slab Pie
• Air Fryer Apples
• Apple Compote
• Apple Pie Egg Rolls
• Nobby Apple Cake

You’ll also like Rhubarb Crisp and Individual Raspberry Crisp.

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