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Apple Crisp Bars

Apple crisp bars with a buttery oat crumble base and topping, baked over a spiced apple filling until bubbly and golden. This method bakes twice—first to set the crust, then to finish the layers for clean, sliceable bars.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For oat crumble base and top
  • 2 cup rolled oats
  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
For apple filling
  • 4 cup apples peeled and finely diced
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Preheat and line the pan
  1. Preheat the oven to 375F and line a 9x13 pan with parchment so the bars lift out easily.
Make the oat crumble
  1. Combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, then drizzle melted butter over and toss until evenly moistened with clumps.
Bake the base
  1. Press 2/3 of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes, until set.
Fill with spiced apples
  1. Toss apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice, then spread the apple mixture over the hot base.
Top and bake
  1. Scatter the remaining oat crumble over the apples, covering as evenly as possible.
Finish baking
  1. Bake for 30 more minutes at 375F until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles around the edges.
Cool and slice
  1. Cool completely before slicing into bars so the layers hold their shape.

Notes

For the cleanest bars, cool fully to room temperature before slicing; chilling 1-2 hours in the fridge can help tighten the crumb further. Store airtight in the fridge up to 4 days. Freeze baked bars (well-wrapped) up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. For a lighter option, replace 1/2 the butter with an equal amount of unsweetened apple-cider “butter” spread or a butter substitute that bakes well, and expect a slightly softer crumble.