Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars combine the cozy flavors of classic apple pie with the wholesome texture of oats. Easy to make and perfect for snacking or dessert, they offer a comforting treat that’s both sweet and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups apples (cored, peeled, and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Stir the mixture and cook until the apples are softened and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool while preparing the rest.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, rolled oats, 1 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
5. Step 5: Add the 14 tablespoons of butter pieces to the dry ingredients and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when pinched.
6. Step 6: Press half of the oat mixture into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: Spread the cooled apple mixture evenly over the oat layer in the pan.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly on top of the apples.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a more pronounced apple flavor and balanced sweetness.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture before baking.
• Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking for a sparkly, crisp finish.
• Replace some or all of the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

Storage

Store the apple pie oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to enjoy warm, or eat them cold as a grab-and-go snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a delicious gluten-free version.

Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 51 reviews

Delight in the comforting flavors of classic apple pie transformed into convenient, chewy oatmeal bars. These Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars feature a hearty oat crust layered with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a wholesome snack, they combine the best of warm spices and tender apples in a portable and delicious form.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Apple Pie Filling

• 2 cups apples (cored, peeled, and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Oatmeal Bars

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)

Instructions

1. Make the Apple Pie Filling: Combine the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the apples cook, allowing the mixture to thicken and the apples to soften, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool while preparing the oat mixture.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish and Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
3. Create the Crumbly Oat Mixture: Add the 14 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter pieces to the dry mixture. Using a fork or pastry cutter, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the texture becomes crumbly and the mixture sticks together when pinched between your fingertips.
4. Assemble the Bars: Press half of the oat mixture firmly into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Carefully spread the cooled apple pie filling evenly over this base layer. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the apples, covering the filling completely.
5. Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye to ensure even baking, adjusting time slightly if necessary.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack while still in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares. These bars can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Notes

• For a crunchier topping, chill the oat mixture before baking.
• If fresh apples are not available, you can use frozen apples thawed and drained.
• Use unsalted butter to control the salt content more precisely.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated to extend freshness.
• These bars can be warmed slightly before serving for a freshly baked feel.

Keywords: apple pie oatmeal bars, apple bars, oatmeal dessert bars, cinnamon apple bars, baked apple bars, healthy snack bars