If you’re searching for the perfect way to enjoy the cozy flavors of apple pie without the fuss of slicing and plating, let me introduce you to the delightful Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe. This recipe blends a tender shortbread crust with a luscious spiced apple filling, topped with a crunchy oat streusel that adds a rustic texture you won’t be able to resist. It’s a wonderful twist on a classic favorite, easy to share, and perfect for any occasion where you want a delicious, comforting dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe plays an important role, from the rich, buttery crust to the sweet and tangy apple filling, finishing with a crumbly streusel topping that binds all the flavors together beautifully. Using simple pantry staples ensures this dessert comes together effortlessly without sacrificing taste or texture.
- 1 1/4 cup softened, unsalted butter: Offers richness and helps create a buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and adds to the crust’s slight crispness.
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to both crust and streusel.
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the crust and streusel, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and accentuating the buttery taste.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the crust and topping.
- 6-8 apples (~3 lbs), mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady: Combining tart and sweet apples gives a perfectly balanced filling with great texture.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling just enough without overpowering natural flavors.
- 2 tsp cinnamon: The spice that ties the filling together with comforting aroma.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional): Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the spiced apples.
- 1 lemon, juiced (~2 Tbsp): Brightens the filling and prevents apples from browning.
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling so it’s luscious, not runny.
- 1/2 cup water, as needed: Keeps the cooked apples juicy and tender during simmering.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cook): Provides a rustic, chewy texture in the streusel topping.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark): Sweetens the crumbly topping with a deep molasses flavor.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Adds body to the streusel so it holds together when baked.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness in the topping.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: Infuses the streusel with that warm, inviting aroma.
- 1/2 cup chilled, unsalted butter cut into cubes: Responsible for the streusel’s irresistible crumbly texture.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
Begin by combining rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Then, use your fingertips to cut in the chilled cubes of butter until the mixture clumps together in coarse crumbs. Cover this tasty topping and refrigerate it while you make the crust and filling—this keeps the butter firm, ensuring a perfect crumble after baking.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
Whisk together flour, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. Press this dough evenly into a 9×13 inch oven-safe dish and refrigerate for 20 minutes to help it set and bake up flaky.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chilled crust for 18 minutes. This initial bake firms the base, creating a sturdy foundation that holds the juicy apple filling beautifully. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Don’t forget to reduce your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the next steps.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss your thinly sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and cornstarch, then stir this into the apples. Transfer everything to a saucepan over medium heat and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed to ensure the apples soften without sticking or burning. This gentle cooking releases their natural sweetness and melds the spices perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Bars
Spread the warm apple filling evenly over the baked shortbread crust. Next, sprinkle the chilled oat streusel topping generously over the apples. Pop the dish into your oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until the streusel turns golden and the apple filling bubbles invitingly beneath. The aromas filling your kitchen at this point are simply irresistible.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
After baking, let the Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe cool completely in the pan. This cooling time allows the filling to set so your bars slice neatly into 12 large, satisfying pieces. Serve them warm or at room temperature—a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top turns this treat into something extraordinary.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make these bars even more special. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and pretty finish. For extra indulgence, swirl whipped cream or drizzle caramel sauce over each bar. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts also provide beautiful texture contrast and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own but also pair wonderfully with hot drinks like spiced apple cider, chai tea, or robust coffee. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream transforms this dessert into a comforting, memorable experience that’s perfect for sharing around the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these bars on rustic wooden boards for a warm, inviting look. Layer them in a glass trifle bowl with extra cooked apples and whipped cream for an eye-catching dessert presentation. Wrapped individually in parchment paper, they make lovely portable treats for picnics or potlucks—delicious and easy to enjoy anywhere.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe keeps well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigeration extends their freshness up to 5 days while maintaining flavor and texture nicely.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for preparing ahead. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.
Reheating
To enjoy warm bars, reheat leftovers in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and crispness, especially to the oat streusel topping. You can also microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds if you’re short on time, though the texture will be best using the oven method.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Pink Lady works best to balance flavor and texture, but feel free to experiment with your favorites for a unique take on this recipe.
Is it possible to make the crust gluten-free?
Yes, substituting a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the crust and streusel should work well. Just ensure the blend you use contains a binder like xanthan gum to keep the structure firm.
How do I keep the apple filling from becoming too watery?
The cornstarch mixed with lemon juice helps thicken the filling as it cooks. Also, simmering the apples gently and adding water only as needed prevents a runny texture while allowing the apples to soften perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize the recipe, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil. Use brown sugar that is labeled vegan, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
What’s the best way to cut these bars for serving?
Make sure the bars have cooled completely to achieve clean slices. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 large squares. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps keep each piece neat and presentable.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about homemade Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe that brings joy to any table. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, these bars deliver a wonderful combination of buttery crust, tender spiced apples, and crumbly oat topping without all the fuss of a traditional pie. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy apple pie!
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Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel offer a delightful twist on classic apple pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, tender spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping. Perfectly balanced with a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Pink Lady apples, these bars bake up golden and bubbly, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cook)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Shortbread Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/4 cups softened unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 6–8 apples (~3 lbs), mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady, cored, peeled, thinly sliced (~1/4 inch thick)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 lemon, juiced (~2 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the chilled cubed butter using your fingertips until the mixture clumps together. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the crust and filling.
- Make Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract and gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed. Press the dough evenly into a 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Bake Crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chilled crust for 18 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice and cornstarch together and then add to the apples, mixing well. Transfer the apple mixture to a large saucepan over medium heat and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften. Add water as needed to prevent burning.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the baked shortbread crust. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake Bars: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple pie bars to cool completely before slicing into 12 large bars. Serve plain or with vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance.
- Ensure the butter for the streusel is chilled to create a crumbly texture.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain shape.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious serving suggestion.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
