Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready to dive into a recipe that’s as cozy as a warm hug on a chilly morning? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my secret to making the most scrumptious Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars that will become your new breakfast or snack obsession. These chewy, flavorful bars are perfect for those busy mornings when you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up those apples that might be going bad—because let’s face it, we all have those moments when we’re wondering, “What to do with apples going bad?”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect blend of oatmeal and apple pie spices
- Chewy texture that’s hard to resist
- Great way to use up apples that are past their prime
- Easy to make ahead for quick breakfasts or snacks
- Customizable for dietary preferences
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars:
- 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)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to make these Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars:
- Prep the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using apples that are a bit past their prime, this is a great way to give them new life!
- Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is bubbly. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the unsalted butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Bars: Press half of the crust mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Top with the remaining crust mixture, spreading it out to cover the apples as much as possible.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a variety of apples that hold their shape during cooking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can easily swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
- These bars are perfect for meal prep—make a batch on the weekend and enjoy throughout the week!
How to Serve
These Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them as:
- A quick breakfast on-the-go
- A midday snack with a cup of coffee or tea
- A healthier dessert option
- Part of a lunchbox for a tasty surprise
For an extra-special treat, you could even top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
These bars are a great make-ahead option. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a quick snack.
And there you have it—a delicious, easy, and satisfying recipe for Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner idea or just want to use up some apples that are going bad, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to check out some of my other easy recipes like How to Make the Best Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies and How to Make Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies for more tasty treats. Happy baking! 🥰
Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars
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
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples, light brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
- Add the water to the apple mixture and toss until apples are moistened.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the apple mixture, then cover with the remaining oat mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.