What type of apples work best for this dish?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples provide a good balance of tartness and sweetness, holding their shape well when baked.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping adds extra crunch and a rich nutty flavor.

Press the crust mixture firmly in the pan and reserve enough crumble for a topping; this separation helps maintain texture.

Cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg bring warmth and depth, complementing the natural sweetness of the apples.

Serving warm enhances the soft texture and melds the flavors, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream.

Buttery, spiced bars layered with tender apples and a crunchy oat crumble, perfect for dessert or a cozy snack.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my family during the fall season when apples are at their freshest and sweetest.

For the Crust and Crumble: 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups (135 g) old-fashioned rolled oats, 3/4 cup (150 g) light brown sugar packed, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter melted
For the Apple Filling: 3 medium apples (about 400 g) peeled cored and diced, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Preheat:: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients:: In a large bowl combine flour oats brown sugar baking powder cinnamon and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix until the mixture is crumbly and evenly moistened.
Reserve Topping:: Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Prepare Apple Filling:: In another bowl toss the diced apples with sugar flour cinnamon nutmeg and lemon juice until evenly coated.
Assemble:: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
Bake:: Bake for 38–42 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
Cool:: Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.

Baking these bars always brings my family together for a warm afternoon treat filled with cozy chats and laughter.

Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Use vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free or swap cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile.

These bars are perfect for sharing or prepping ahead for a quick and delicious snack anytime.

→ What type of apples work best for this dish?: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples provide a good balance of tartness and sweetness, holding their shape well when baked.
→ Can I add nuts to the topping?: Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping adds extra crunch and a rich nutty flavor.
→ How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?: Press the crust mixture firmly in the pan and reserve enough crumble for a topping; this separation helps maintain texture.
→ What spices enhance the apple filling?: Cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg bring warmth and depth, complementing the natural sweetness of the apples.
→ Is it better to serve these bars warm or cold?: Serving warm enhances the soft texture and melds the flavors, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream.