With a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat topping, these apple crisp bars are a fun and irresistible dessert that is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

A stack of apple crisp bars beside an apple on wooden board.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Easy to prepare – Each layer is made by hand with minimal effort. There is no pre-cooking the apples or having to cut the butter into fine pieces. You simply layer all the components and bake.
  • Three layers of texture – Tender slices of baked apples sandwiched in between a rich and crumbly shortbread crust and a sweet crunchy oat crisp all make these bars absolutely to die for.
  • All the great taste of an apple crisp – These bars have all the great taste of an apple crisp but they can be eaten with your hands making them easier to serve.
Overhead view of apple crisp bars on a sheet of parchment paper and wooden board.

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • unsalted butter, melted
  • granulated sugar & brown sugar
  • vanilla extract & ground cinnamon
  • all-purpose flour
  • baking apples
  • rolled oats – quick or old-fashioned

How to make apple crisp bars:

(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)

  1. In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the flour and press the mixture evenly into a 9×9″ pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, toss together the flour, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Spoon the mixture over the crust and set aside.
  3. In the same medium bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until all is moistened and sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
  4. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
image collage of how to make apple crisp bars

How to serve:

Slice and serve as is or with a drizzle of caramel, dollop of whipped cream, or scoop of vanilla ice cream.

FAQ:

What type of apple is best for apple crisp bars?

A crisp, tart variety that stands up well to baking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure that the crust is baked until it’s lightly golden before adding the apple filling. Also, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing; this helps them set and reduces the risk of a soggy crust. Lastly, store any leftovers on top of a layer of paper towels to absorb the moisture released from the apples over time.

What’s the best way to store leftover apple crisp bars?

Store them in an airtight container (lined with paper towels) at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature or reheat briefly in the oven before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze apple crisp bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Once cooled and cut into squares, store them in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350F for 5-10 minutes to warm and crisp up.

Apple crisp bars on parchment paper and wooden board.

You might also like:

Did you make this recipe? Please kindly leave a comment with your star rating below.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Apple Crisp Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Lily Ernst
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

  • With a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat topping, these apple crisp bars are a fun and irresistible dessert that is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Ingredients

Shortbread crust:

  • 1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

Apple filling:

  • 4 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced (1/4″ thick) about 3-4 apples
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Streusel topping:

  • 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (45g) rolled oats (quick or old-fashioned)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) lightly packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a 9×9″ pan with parchment paper with overhang sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the flour until everything is combined and press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges (meanwhile, prepare the filling and topping).
  3. In a large bowl, toss together the flour, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add the apples and stir until evenly coated. Set aside.
  4. In the same medium bowl you used to make the crust, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until all is moistened and set aside.
  5. Once the crust is done, evenly layer the apples on top, then sprinkle the streusel over the apples.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container (lined with paper towels) at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.