Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup cold butter, cubed
• 4 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 2: Make the crumb mixture

Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.

Step 4: Add apple filling

Toss apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch, then spread over the crust.

Step 5: Bake

Sprinkle remaining crumbs on top and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing.

Practical Notes

• Toss the apples until the cornstarch is evenly distributed with no dry patches; that starch is what turns the released apple juice into a sliceable filling.
• Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the base and reserve the rest for the top so the baked bars have both a firm bottom and a loose, crisp crumble.

For Clean Slices and a Set Filling

Slice the apples to a similar thickness so they soften at the same rate. The cornstarch needs the apple juices to become hot enough to thicken, so look for a bubbling filling near the edges before removing the pan.

Let the bars cool completely before lifting and cutting them. Warm apple filling is much softer and can pull the oat crumble apart even when the bake itself is correct.

How to Store Leftovers

Let Apple Pie Bars cool completely before covering; trapped steam can soften the surface. Keep airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Warm individual bars in a 300°F oven for a few minutes if you want the apple filling slightly warm. Keep the heat gentle so the oat crumble does not become hard and the set filling does not loosen too much.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.