Short description

These Oatmeal Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery crust, a warm spiced apple filling, and a golden oat crumble topping. They combine the classic flavors of apple pie with the ease and convenience of handheld dessert bars.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the cozy flavor of traditional apple pie with a fraction of the effort
Perfectly balanced textures—crispy crumble, tender apples, and a soft base
Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or an afternoon treat
Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly
Versatile and customizable with ingredients you likely have at home

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust and topping: melted butter, all-purpose flour, rolled or quick oats, sugar (white or brown), salt
Apple filling: peeled and sliced apples, brown sugar or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg (optional), flour or cornstarch, butter, salt
Optional glaze: powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, flour, oats, sugar, and salt to form a crumbly mixture. Set aside about ½ cup for the topping.
Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In a saucepan, cook apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour (or cornstarch), butter, and a pinch of salt until tender and slightly thickened.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top as a crumble.
Bake for 22–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow to cool completely before slicing. Optionally, drizzle with glaze before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Use gluten-free flour and oats to make it gluten-free
Replace apples with pears or a mix of fruits like apple and cranberry
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping
Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a refined sugar-free version
Add raisins or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a twist

storage/reheating

Store at room temperature for 1–2 days in an airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 1 week
Freeze for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped or in a freezer-safe container
To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 20–30 seconds

FAQs

What kind of apples should I use?

A mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, both quick oats and rolled oats work well. Rolled oats provide a bit more texture.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

Is it necessary to cook the apples first?

Yes, lightly cooking the apples ensures they are soft and flavorful in the finished bars.

How do I keep the crust from becoming soggy?

Cooking the apple filling beforehand and letting the bars cool completely before slicing helps prevent a soggy base.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The bars are sweet and flavorful enough without it.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time as needed.

What’s the best way to slice them neatly?

Allow the bars to cool completely or chill in the fridge before slicing with a sharp knife.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter alternatives in both the crust and filling.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, you can use alternatives like coconut sugar, monk fruit sweetener, or maple syrup depending on your dietary preference.

Conclusion

Oatmeal Apple Pie Bars are a simple, comforting dessert that captures the essence of homemade apple pie in a much easier format. Whether served warm with ice cream or packed as a snack, these bars deliver sweet, spiced flavor and a satisfying oat crumble in every bite. They’re easy to customize, store well, and are sure to become a seasonal favorite.