Go Back
–+ servings
Apple Bars

Cozy Homemade Apple Bars That You'll Crave This Fall

These Cozy Homemade Apple Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and tart apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, making them a perfect fall dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup Old-Fashioned Oats Instant oats can be used but may alter texture.
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar White sugar can be substituted for a lighter sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Can be reduced for a less sweet outcome.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Can be omitted for low-sodium diets.
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Apple pie spice can be used as an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Butter Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
For the Filling
  • 4 cups Chopped Apples A mix of Granny Smith and Fuji apples is recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Arrowroot powder can be a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Vinegar can serve as an alternative in small amounts.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Optional if you prefer a minimal ingredient list.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Can be omitted or swapped with allspice.
For the Topping
  • 1.5 cups Reserved Crumb Mixture The crust mixture saved for the topping.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • pastry cutter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Bars
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 9x13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and the first portion of cinnamon.
  3. Set aside 1.5 cups of the crumb mixture for topping, then press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of your baking pan.
  4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until just golden around the edges.
  5. Toss the chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, remaining cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  6. Spread the seasoned apple filling evenly over the hot crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
  7. Return to the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

These Cozy Homemade Apple Bars are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container for freshness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!