The Best Easy Apple Oatmeal Crumb Bars Recipe for Sweet Snacking

Crafting delectable apple oatmeal crumb bars might seem challenging, but I promise this recipe will change your baking game.

Sweet autumn aromas will drift through your kitchen as you mix simple ingredients.

Warm spices like cinnamon complement the soft, tender apple filling perfectly.

Crisp oat layers create a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction with this straightforward dessert.

Baking skills aren’t required – anyone can master these irresistible bars.

You’ll wow everyone at the next gathering with this crowd-pleasing treat.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the bars.

• Is cornstarch necessary for the apple filling?

Cornstarch helps thicken the apple filling and prevents it from becoming too watery. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.

• How can I make these bars gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free rolled oats to ensure the entire recipe is gluten-free.

• Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the oat crumb mixture. Simply mix them in with the other topping ingredients.

Simple Apple Oatmeal Crumb Bars Guide

• These apple oatmeal crumb bars are a delightful treat that anyone can master, even if you're new to the kitchen.
• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you want a sweet treat that brings everyone together with its warm, homey flavors.
• Requires basic pantry staples like oats, apples, and basic baking ingredients, making it an accessible dessert without a complicated shopping list.
• Enjoy these bars as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert – they're flexible enough to fit any mealtime or mood.

Ingredients for Apple Oatmeal Crumb Bars

• Oats: A hearty grain that provides a robust and wholesome foundation for the bars.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the crumb mixture and creates a tender texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps hold the crumb mixture together.

• Apples: Fresh and sweet fruit that creates a soft, juicy center for the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the apple mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling and create a smooth consistency.

• Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Ice Cream: Provides a sweet finishing touch and additional flavor for serving.

Preparing Apple Oatmeal Crumb Bars

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Topping

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture looks like delightful, textured crumbs that can hold together when squeezed.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Apple Filling

In another bowl, tumble diced apples with a splash of lemon juice, sprinkle of sugar, dash of cinnamon, and cornstarch.

Gently stir to coat the apples, which will create a luscious, thick filling that bursts with flavor when baked.

Step 3: Build the Bar Foundation

Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and press half of the oat crumb mixture firmly into the bottom, creating a solid, even base.

Spread the apple filling generously across this layer, ensuring even coverage.

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, letting it fall naturally to create a rustic, crunchy topping.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown topping and bubbling apple filling that signals these bars are ready to dazzle your taste buds.

Step 5: Cool and Slice with Patience

Allow the bars to rest and cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.

This crucial waiting period helps the filling set and makes cutting into perfect squares a breeze.

Slice, serve, and enjoy the irresistible combination of warm spices and tender apples.

Tips for Perfect Apple Oatmeal Crumb Bars

• Cut apples into consistent, small, even-sized pieces to ensure balanced flavor and even cooking throughout the bars.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of oats or breadcrumbs under the first crumb layer to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp crust.
• Adjust sugar quantities based on apple variety – tart apples like Granny Smith need more sugar, while sweet varieties like Fuji require less.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the crumb mixture for a warm, complex taste that complements the cinnamon and apples.
• Keep bars at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness and texture.

Storing and Reheating Apple Oatmeal Crumb Bars

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm bars at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning. This method restores the crisp crumb topping and warm apple filling.
• Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed. Best used for quick single servings.

Pairing Ideas for Apple Oatmeal Crumb Bars

• Savor Complementary Flavor Pairings: Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scoop: Creamy, cool vanilla ice cream melts deliciously over warm apple crumb bars, creating a heavenly contrast between hot and cold textures.
• Brew Cinnamon-Spiced Chai Tea: Aromatic chai tea with its warm spices perfectly echoes the cinnamon notes in the apple bars, enhancing the dessert's comforting autumn-like profile.
• Match Caramel Drizzle Companion: Rich caramel sauce drizzled over the bars adds a luxurious sweetness that amplifies the apple's natural caramelized undertones, elevating the entire dessert experience.
• Pair Toasted Pecan Sprinkle: Roughly chopped toasted pecans scattered on top introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth that complements the soft, spiced apple crumb base.

Variations of Apple Oatmeal Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure complete dietary compatibility.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine. Use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Choose tart green apples to reduce overall sweetness and use minimal added sweeteners in the filling.
• Spiced Seasonal Variation: Add nutmeg and ground ginger to the crumb mixture. Mix in dried cranberries or chopped pecans for extra texture and winter-inspired flavor profile.

Easy Apple Oatmeal Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crumbly apple oatmeal bars blend rustic charm with sweet comfort, offering a delightful twist on classic desserts. Warm spices and buttery oat layers invite you to savor each memorable bite of homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters/12.35 ounces) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (240 milliliters/4.4 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters/5.3 ounces) brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters/4.2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Fruit Filling:

• 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan with a light grease coating to ensure easy removal.
2. Create the crumb mixture by blending oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly combined.
3. Incorporate melted butter into the dry ingredients, mixing until the texture becomes a coarse, crumbly consistency that holds together when gently pressed.
4. In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch, ensuring each apple piece is evenly coated and the mixture appears glossy.
5. Transfer half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly to create a compact, even base layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
6. Carefully spread the seasoned apple filling over the crumb base, distributing the fruit mixture uniformly to guarantee consistent flavor in each bite.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apple layer, gently covering the filling and creating a textured, rustic top.
8. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit filling as indicators of doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, which helps the filling set and makes cutting into clean squares easier.
10. Slice into squares and serve at room temperature, enjoying the harmonious blend of sweet apples and buttery oat crumble.

Notes

• Choose ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your bars.
• Gently press the crumb mixture to create a compact base and topping without overworking the dough, which can make it tough.
• Sprinkle additional cinnamon or nutmeg over the top before baking for an extra warm, aromatic flavor boost.
• Allow bars to cool completely to ensure clean, neat slices and help the filling set properly for a more structured dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg