about contact
Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe

Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe

by
Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that combines all the cozy flavors of fall in one perfect bite, you’re in the right place. I’m so excited to share my Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe — a crowd-pleaser that my family goes crazy for every time. These bars bring together a buttery shortbread crust, a tender spiced apple filling, and a crumbly oat streusel topping that’s just irresistible. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them on repeat.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultimate Flavor Combo: The blend of tart Granny Smith and sweet Pink Lady apples creates the perfect balance you’ll love.
  • Perfect Texture: A buttery shortbread base, soft cinnamon-spiced apples, and crunchy oat streusel make every bite a delight.
  • Family Favorite: This recipe has won over picky eaters and apple pie skeptics alike—hope it does the same for your crew!
  • Simple Yet Impressive: Despite looking like a bakery treat, it’s easy to make with straightforward steps and accessible ingredients.
A white bowl filled with pale green and light yellow sliced apples sits at the bottom left, next to a white bowl with two lemon halves showing a bright yellow inside. Above and around these are various small white bowls and dishes with ingredients: a large white bowl of white flour with a powdery texture on the top right, a white bowl full of brown sugar with a crumbly texture below it, a smaller bowl with white sugar, a small bowl with white cornstarch, and another with a light brown nutmeg powder. Three white sticks of butter wrapped in wax paper are placed near the top left and bottom left edges. To the left are two whole green apples and one red apple with a shiny, smooth surface. Cinnamon sticks lie near the center, beside two small bowls with cinnamon powder. Behind the ingredients is a white marbled surface as background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe really comes from combining simple ingredients that bring out deep flavors and textures. Grab some fresh apples and quality butter, and you’re halfway there!

  • Unsalted butter: Softened for the crust and chilled for the streusel, it adds that rich, buttery goodness throughout.
  • Granulated sugar: Used in both crust and filling to balance tartness and enhance caramelization.
  • Brown sugar: Packed, for a deeper, molasses sweetness especially in the streusel topping.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a touch gives warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The basis for both crust and streusel — make sure to measure it properly for the best texture.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: The quintessential spice that pairs perfectly with apples here.
  • Apples: I recommend a mix of Granny Smith (for tartness) and Pink Lady (for sweetness and crispness) peeled and sliced thin.
  • Nutmeg (optional): Adds warmth to the apple filling without overpowering.
  • Lemon juice: Helps keep apples fresh and brightens the filling.
  • Cornstarch: This magic thickener prevents your filling from being runny—don’t skip this!
  • Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: For that classic crumbly streusel, avoid quick oats here for best texture.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe depending on the season or crowd. Feel free to customize—it’s forgiving and versatile, and small swaps can make it your own.

  • Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and it still comes out wonderfully—you just might need to adjust baking time slightly.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple filling for a deeper autumn flavor that my friends rave about.
  • Swap the Apples: Pears or a mix of apples and pears can be used for a different twist—just adjust sweetness to your taste.
  • Make it Vegan: Use vegan butter and adjust sugar types if needed, and it still bakes up beautifully.

How to Make Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Start with the streusel because it needs to chill while you make the crust and filling. Whisk rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl, then cut in cold, cubed butter using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until clusters form. Now, cover and pop it in the fridge—this chilling step helps the butter stay cold and creates those beautiful crumbly pieces when baked.

Step 2: Make and Chill the Shortbread Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream softened butter with both sugars until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla, then slowly mix in the dry ingredients on low speed. Press this dough evenly into a 9×13 baking dish. This chilling step (20 minutes in the refrigerator) is crucial because it helps prevent shrinking and keeps the crust firm and tender once baked.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the chilled crust for about 18 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Then remove it to cool and reduce oven heat to 350°F. Cooling the crust a bit before adding the filling prevents sogginess—this is one of those little tricks I learned after some trial and error!

Step 4: Cook the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. Whisk lemon juice and cornstarch together, then mix in with the apples; this combo is what thickens the filling perfectly. Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften—usually 5 to 8 minutes. Add water as needed to keep things from sticking but don’t overdo it—you want thick, luscious filling, not soup.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Bars

Spread the warm apple filling evenly over the baked crust, then sprinkle the chilled oat streusel on top. Bake everything at 350°F for about 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Let the bars cool completely before slicing so everything sets nicely. Pro tip: patience here pays off big time!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe

  • Measure Flour Correctly: I always recommend spooning and leveling flour rather than scooping for the right texture in both crust and streusel.
  • Chill Everything Well: Keeping butter cold before baking yields that perfect streusel crumble and prevents a greasy topping.
  • Use a Mix of Apples: I swear by combining Granny Smith with Pink Lady for the best balance of tart and sweet.
  • Don’t Skip Cooling Time: Let those bars cool completely before slicing—they hold their shape better and taste even better the next day.

How to Serve Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe

The image shows a stack of three square pieces of apple crumble on a white plate, each layer featuring light golden crumble topping mixed with small oats and a middle layer of cooked apple slices that are soft and light brown. The apple slices at the bottom are slightly visible with a pale yellow color, while the crumble layers are crumbly with a rough texture. On top of the stack, there’s a smooth, round scoop of white ice cream melting slightly, with golden caramel syrup pouring down over the ice cream and crumbly layers, dripping down the sides. The plate is on a white marbled surface, with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices placed around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love serving these apple pie bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top—the cold creaminess contrasts perfectly with the warm, spiced apples and crunchy streusel. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty finishing touch if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

If you’re making these for dessert after a hearty meal, a cup of cinnamon-spiced chai tea or a rich hot apple cider is my go-to pairing. They complement the spices in the bars beautifully and add to that warm, cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered these bars in pretty glass plates or served them alongside caramel sauce drizzles and toasted pecans. They also look adorable cut into bite-sized mini bars for party platters or potlucks—always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover apple pie bars covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days. If my kitchen is warm, I stash them in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap—they stay delicious and moist for 4 to 5 days this way.

Freezing

Freezing these bars works great! I slice them before freezing, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to indulge, I thaw them overnight in the fridge, and the texture stays remarkably fresh.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop a piece in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This revives the melty warmth without drying out the crust or topping.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different types of oats for the streusel topping?

    For the best texture in the streusel, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats. Avoid quick or instant oats as they won’t provide that perfect, crumbly bite and may become too mushy when baked.

  2. What can I substitute for cornstarch in the filling?

    If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in the same amount to thicken the apple filling without affecting flavor.

  3. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

    Pre-baking the shortbread crust before adding the filling and allowing it to cool helps create a barrier. Also, ensuring the apple filling isn’t too watery and using cornstarch to thicken it prevents sogginess.

  4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the flour in both the crust and streusel. I recommend blends designed for baking that include xanthan gum for the best results.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe, I was amazed at how easy and rewarding it was. It ticks all the boxes for a perfect dessert: comforting, flavorful, and texturally satisfying. Plus, it’s great for sharing with family or friends on any occasion. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—these as much as I do. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation too!

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 Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe

Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe

4.8 from 94 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 large bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Delicious Apple Pie Bars with a buttery shortbread crust, a perfectly spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oatmeal streusel topping. These bars combine the best elements of classic apple pie into an easy-to-make dessert, perfect for serving with vanilla bean ice cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Crust

  • 1 1/4 cup softened, unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Apple Pie Filling

  • 6–8 apples (~3 lbs) mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady, cored, peeled, thinly sliced (~1/4 inch thick)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 lemon, juiced (~2 Tbsp)
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water, as needed

Streusel Topping

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cook)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chilled, unsalted butter cut into cubes

Instructions

  1. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in chilled cubed butter with fingertips until mixture clumps together. Cover and refrigerate while preparing crust and filling.
  2. Make Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and cinnamon. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually add dry ingredients on low speed. Press dough evenly into a 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Bake Crust: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chilled crust for 18 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice and cornstarch together. Add this to apples and mix well. Transfer apple mixture to a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples soften. Add water as needed to prevent burning.
  5. Assemble Bars: Spread cooked apple filling evenly over baked shortbread crust. Sprinkle chilled streusel topping evenly over the apples.
  6. Bake Bars: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until streusel is golden and apples are bubbly.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow apple pie bars to cool completely before slicing into 12 large bars. Serve plain or with vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust with a classic apple pie filling and crunchy oatmeal streusel topping for a perfect textural contrast.
  • Use a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Pink Lady apples to balance flavor and sweetness.
  • Chilling the crust before baking prevents shrinking and helps achieve a tender texture.
  • The cornstarch and lemon juice mixture thickens the apple filling for perfect consistency.
  • Serve bars with vanilla bean ice cream to complement the warm spices and buttery crust.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large bar
  • Calories: 629 kcal
  • Sugar: 59 g
  • Sodium: 214 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 94 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 71 mg