If you love apple crisp but want something that’s portable, shareable, and just as comforting, these Easy Apple Crisp Bars are the answer. With a buttery oat crust, a tender apple filling, and a golden crumb topping, these bars deliver everything you love about apple crisp—only in neat, handheld squares.
They’re perfect for fall baking, holiday gatherings, bake sales, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make with pantry-friendly ingredients and a handful of fresh apples.
Introduction to Apple Crisp Bars
Apple crisp has long been one of the most beloved fall desserts. There’s just something magical about tender apples baked with cinnamon and sugar under a buttery, crunchy oat topping. But what if you could take all that cozy goodness and make it portable? That’s where Apple Crisp Bars come in.
These bars transform the traditional apple crisp into a dessert you can slice, serve, and even wrap up for lunchboxes or bake sales. They’re sturdy enough to hold in your hand, but still have all the flavor of a warm apple crisp straight out of the oven.
The buttery oat crust doubles as the topping, creating layers of texture and flavor. In the middle, juicy apples tossed in sugar and lemon bake down into a tender, sweet-tart filling. Once cooled and cut into squares, you’ve got a dessert that’s as easy to serve as it is to eat.
It’s comfort food meets convenience—and once you try them, you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with what you’ll need to make these irresistible bars.
For the Crust & Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base that holds everything together.
- 1 cup rolled oats – Gives that classic crisp texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds sweetness and a caramel-like depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Warm spice to complement the apples.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps with texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – Richness and moisture to bring the crust together.
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 4 medium apples) – The star of the show.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the apples.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Keeps the apples from browning and adds brightness.