The Ultimate Apple Crisp Bars (Easy & Foolproof Recipe)

Apple Crisp Bars deliver the best of fall baking in every bite. Picture this: a buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth, layered with a gooey, cinnamon-kissed apple filling, and finished with a golden oat crumble that crackles as you bite into it. These bars are simple to make yet feel like something special, whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend or a festive gathering. With each layer offering its own texture and flavor, this dessert strikes the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and crisp.

The Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

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• Author: Callie Brooks
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

These Apple Crisp Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey cinnamon-kissed apple filling, and a golden oat crumble that stays crisp for days. This foolproof recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and crunchy textures in every bite.

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Ingredients

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For the Shortbread Crust

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

 

For the Apple Filling

• 4 cups thinly sliced apples, peeled and cored (about 4–5 medium apples)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

 

For the Crisp Oat Topping

• ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to use as handles. Lightly coat with cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract.

3. Add the flour and mix on low speed until the dough is soft and crumbly.

4. Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the crust is slightly puffed. Set aside.

5. In a separate large bowl, gently toss the apple slices with the flour and granulated sugar until evenly coated. Spread this mixture over the pre-baked crust.

6. To make the topping, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.

7. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

8. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple layer.

9. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.

10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results and the cleanest cuts, chill the cooled bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing.

11. Use the parchment handles to lift the entire block out of the pan, place it on a cutting board, and slice into 12 bars.

Notes

• Pro-Tip: For a deeper, nuttier flavor, toast your oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes before using them in the topping.
• Clean Slicing: Chilling the bars before cutting is the secret to getting clean, neat squares that don’t crumble.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Tools: 8×8 Metal Baking Pan, Parchment Paper, Pastry Cutter

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Why This Recipe is the Best

• The texture is spot on 

You get a sturdy crust that holds up, a gooey apple center that isn’t too runny, and a crisp oat topping that stays crunchy even after a couple of days. This isn’t just good. It’s dependable.

• The oat mixture pulls double duty

 Use it for both the base and the topping. That means fewer dishes and less hassle without cutting corners on taste.

(Note: This draft uses a separate shortbread crust and oat topping as requested. If a one-bowl method is preferred, the recipe would need further modification.)

• A quick pre-bake on the crust changes everything

It creates a firm foundation so your bars hold their shape and never get soggy.

• Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe works

The steps are simple. The ingredients are straightforward. Plus, we’ve added expert tips to help you succeed every time.

Equipment Needed

• 8×8 metal baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls in various sizes
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry cutter or two butter knives
• Apple peeler and corer
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Sharp knife for slicing bars

Ingredients for Apple Crisp Bars

For the Shortbread Crust

•  ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
•  ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
•  ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
•  1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

For the Apple Filling

•  4 cups thinly sliced apples, peeled and cored (about 4-5 medium apples)
•  2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
•  ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Crisp Oat Topping

•  ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
•  ½ cup packed light brown sugar
•  ¼ cup granulated sugar
•  1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•  ½ teaspoon salt
•  6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

How to Make Apple Crisp Bars (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven:

 Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides to use as handles later. Lightly coat with cooking spray.

2. Make the Crust Dough:

 In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Add the flour and mix on low speed until the dough is soft and crumbly.

3. Press and Pre-Bake the Crust:

 Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the lined pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the crust looks slightly puffed. Remove from the oven and set aside. Keep the oven on.

4. Prepare the Apple Filling:

 While the crust bakes, peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. In a separate large bowl, gently toss the apple slices with the flour and granulated sugar until every slice is evenly coated.

5. Assemble the Apple Layer:

 Spread the coated apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, creating a compact layer.

6. Make the Crisp Oat Topping:

 In a clean bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.

7. Add the Topping:

 Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple layer. Try to cover all the apple slices for the best crunch.

8. Bake and Cool: 

Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and crisp, and the apple filling should be bubbling around the edges.

9. Cool and Slice:

 Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once fully cool, use the parchment overhang to lift them out. For the cleanest cuts, chill the bars in the fridge for at least one hour before slicing into squares with a sharp knife.

Pro-Tips for Perfect Bars

• Toast Your Oats: Before adding them to the topping, give the oats a quick toast in a dry skillet for three to four minutes. This adds a warm, nutty depth to the flavor.
• Chill Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely, then place them in the fridge for at least one hour. This helps them firm up, making cleaner slices with less crumbling.
• Do Not Over-Mix the Crumble: When cutting the butter into the topping, stop when you see pea-sized bits. Mixing too much will turn the crumble into a paste, and you’ll lose that crisp texture.
• Check for Doneness: Look for golden edges and bubbling juices. These are signs that the apples have softened and the topping is baked through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic combo. A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce adds an extra layer of richness that pairs beautifully with the spiced apples. For a lighter option, top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. These bars also taste great on their own, especially with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea. Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or an after-dinner treat.

These bars also taste great on their own, especially with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea. Want something larger for a crowd? Try this Apple Slab Pie it’s like your favorite pie, but sheet-pan style.

Conclusion

These apple crisp bars hit all the right notes. You get a buttery crust, a gooey cinnamon apple center, and a crunchy oat topping in every bite. The layered textures and warm fall flavors make them a standout dessert that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

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What kind of apples did you use? Sweet, tart, or a mix? Let us know how yours turned out.

The layered textures and warm fall flavors make them a standout dessert that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Looking for a tangy springtime contrast? This Raspberry Lemon Olive Oil Cake offers a bright and elegant option.

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