Easy Apple Crisp Bars

There’s something magical about the smell of baked apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar filling the kitchen on a crisp fall day. If you’re a fan of classic apple crisp but want a more portable, easy-to-serve version, these Easy Apple Crisp Bars are the answer. They combine everything you love about apple crisp — buttery crumb topping, spiced apples, and comforting sweetness — into a bar that you can slice, serve, and enjoy with ease.

this …

I first made these bars on a chilly October weekend when I had a basket of apples from the local orchard. I didn’t feel like fussing with a pie crust but still wanted a dessert that tasted like fall. The result was these Apple Crisp Bars — chewy, crumbly, and packed with sweet-tart apples in every bite. Now they’ve become a family favorite, requested for bake sales, potlucks, and cozy family dinners. Whether you serve them plain, with a drizzle of caramel, or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these bars never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love Easy Apple Crisp Bars

• Simple ingredients – You probably already have most of these in your pantry.
• No pie crust needed – A buttery crumb mixture doubles as both crust and topping.
• Perfect fall dessert – Spiced apples and oats give classic autumn flavors.
• Easy to serve – Cut into squares for portable treats.
• Customizable – Add nuts, caramel, or spices to make it your own.
• Crowd-pleaser – Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday desserts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the crust and topping.
• 1 cup rolled oats – Adds texture and a classic crisp flavor.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Sweetens and adds a caramel-like depth.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Enhances the flavor of the apples.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the crust bake evenly.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – Brings everything together with rich flavor.
• 4 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 4 medium apples) – Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the apple layer.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Prevents browning and balances sweetness.

Optional add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• A drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
• A pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add butter
   Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed.
4. Form the crust
   Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Prepare apple filling
   In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with granulated sugar and lemon juice until well coated.
6. Layer the apples
   Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer.
7. Add topping
   Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apples, covering as much as possible.
8. Bake
   Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
9. Cool and serve
   Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps them hold their shape.

Serving and Storage Tips

These bars are delicious warm, at room temperature, or chilled from the fridge. They’re incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or enjoyed simply.

Serving ideas:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.

Storage:

• Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Helpful Notes

• Apple choice matters – Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji give a sweeter result.
• Cut evenly – Make sure apple pieces are uniform so they cook evenly.
• Let cool fully – If you cut the bars too soon, they may fall apart. Patience pays off!
• Add crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a nutty twist.
• Make it festive – Add cranberries to the apple mixture for a holiday version.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
   Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Rolled oats give the best chewy crisp topping.
2. Can I use canned apple pie filling?
   You can, but fresh apples give the best flavor and texture. If using canned, reduce the added sugar.
3. How do I prevent soggy bars?
   Make sure to bake until the topping is golden brown and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
5. Do these bars travel well?
   Yes, they’re perfect for potlucks and picnics. Just cool completely and cut into squares before packing.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Apple Crisp Bars are the ultimate combination of comfort and convenience. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping, they bring all the flavors of traditional apple crisp into a portable bar form. I’ve tested and shared this recipe countless times, and it never fails to get rave reviews.

What I love most is how flexible they are — you can make them ahead, freeze them, or serve them warm with ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. They’re perfect for fall gatherings, holiday tables, or just a cozy weeknight treat. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself baking them again and again, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.

Easy Apple Crisp Bars

Patricia Collins

These Easy Apple Crisp Bars are the perfect handheld version of classic apple crisp! With a buttery oat crust, spiced apple filling, and golden crumb topping, they’re cozy, simple, and ideal for fall gatherings, potlucks, or a weeknight treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings 12

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter melted
• 4 cups peeled and chopped apples about 4 medium apples
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
• Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
• In another bowl, toss chopped apples with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Spread over the crust.
• Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over apples.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until topping is golden and apples are tender.
• Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a sweet-tangy balance.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• For a festive touch, drizzle caramel sauce before serving.
• Store at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Freeze baked bars up to 3 months; thaw before serving.