Apple Pie Bars with Oat Streusel
Delicious Apple Pie Bars that combine juicy baked apples and a crunchy oat streusel for a classic dessert in bar form.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter For a rich, creamy crust.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar Sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples.
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Elevates the flavor profile.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour The base for both crust and streusel.
- 1 tsp salt To enhance flavor.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon A warm, comforting spice that complements the apples.
For the Apple Filling
- 6-8 pieces apples (about 3 lbs) A mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady, cored, peeled, and thinly sliced (~1/4 inch thick) for perfect texture.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar To sweeten the apple filling.
- 2 tsp cinnamon For extra warmth and flavor.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional) Adds a hint of spice.
- Juice of 1 lemon (~2 Tbsp) lemon juice Brightens the apple flavors and prevents browning.
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch Helps thicken the apple filling.
- 1/2 cup water As needed to assist in cooking the apples.
For the Oat Streusel Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cook) Provides texture for the streusel.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark) Adds moisture and richness to the streusel topping.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour Another layer for the streusel mixture.
- 1/4 tsp salt Balances the sweetness of the streusel.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon Complements the oats in the topping.
- 1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into cubes For a crumbly streusel texture.
Instructions
Oat Streusel Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the chilled cubed butter until the mixture starts to clump together. Once mixed, refrigerate while you prepare the crust.
Making the Crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until well combined. Press this dough into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
Baking the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the crust for 18 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool briefly.
Preparing the Apple Filling
- In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg to combine. In a separate small bowl, mix lemon juice and cornstarch. Pour this mixture over the apples, and then cook in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples have softened slightly. Add water as needed to prevent sticking.
Assembling the Bars
- Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the oat streusel topping generously over the apples, ensuring even coverage.
Final Bake
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the assembled bars for 30-35 minutes until the streusel is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Notes
For the best results, use Granny Smith apples for their tartness balanced with sweet Pink Lady apples. Consider using a mix of spices like ginger or allspice for a unique flavor twist. If you like a little more crunch, toast your rolled oats for a few minutes before adding them to the streusel mix. For convenience, you can substitute store-bought pie crust for the homemade version, but we highly recommend preparing the crust from scratch for that unmistakable homemade touch. Don’t hesitate to experiment with adding nuts to the streusel for added flavor and crunch.