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Apple Pie Bars

Apple pie bars layer cinnamon-coated apples over a buttery crust, finished with an oat crumble topping. Bake until the topping is golden and a knife slides easily into the apples for a tender, sliceable dessert.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 375
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Make the crust
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
Make the filling
  • 3 lb apples peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Make the topping
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 0.5 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into small pieces

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking pan

Method
 

Make the crust
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides, then lightly grease the parchment.
  3. Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
  4. Stir in the melted butter until evenly moistened.
  5. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Make the filling
  1. Toss the apples with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a large bowl until evenly coated.
  2. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the warm crust.
Make the topping and bake
  1. Stir the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. Work in the cold butter with your fingertips until coarse crumbs form.
  3. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
  4. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the topping is golden and a knife slides easily into the apples in the center.
  5. Cool completely in the pan, about 2 hours.
  6. Lift out using the parchment and cut into bars.

Notes

For clean-cut bars, let them cool completely before slicing. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; they freeze well. For a dairy-free variation, use plant-based butter in both the crust and topping.