Warm and Buttery Apple Dessert Bars with Cinnamon Streusel
There’s something so comforting about baked apples, especially when wrapped in a buttery crust and topped with a crumbly cinnamon streusel.
These apple dessert bars bring all the cozy vibes of homemade apple pie — but in a more casual, slice-and-share format.
You’ll start with a soft shortbread-style base, layer on tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and finish it all with a crumbly brown sugar oat topping.
I suggest using tart apples like Granny Smith for balance, though sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work great too.
These bars are perfect for fall get-togethers or anytime you crave a classic apple treat without the fuss of pie crust.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Bake Time | Cooling Time | Total Time | Course | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 minutes | 40–45 minutes | 1 hour | 2 hours 10 minutes | Dessert / Snack | 12 bars |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | For 6 Bars | For 12 Bars | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | ¾ cup | 1½ cups | Whole wheat flour |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ⅓ cup | ⅔ cup | Vegan butter |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Coconut sugar |
| Old-fashioned oats | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Quick oats |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | Apple pie spice |
| Apples (peeled, diced) | 1½ cups | 3 cups | Pears |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | Maple syrup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | Arrowroot powder |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | Apple cider vinegar |
Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives in Brackets)
- 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan (or oven-safe glass dish)
- Mixing bowls (or large containers)
- Peeler and knife (or mandoline)
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons (or kitchen scale)
- Parchment paper (or buttered foil)
- Oven
How to Make Apple Dessert Bars
These bars come together in three layers: a soft base, a spiced apple filling, and a crunchy topping.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Base Crust
Combine softened butter, flour, and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix until crumbly and press into the prepared pan to form a flat crust.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges begin to set. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a clean bowl, mix diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread this apple mixture over the baked base.
Step 4: Add the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling.
Let the bars cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then chill in the fridge for 1 hour before slicing.
Decoration & Serving Tips
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra-sweet finish
- Add chopped nuts to the topping for crunch
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
Variations to Try
- Apple-Pear Combo: Use half apples, half ripe pears
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel
- Spiced Version: Mix in nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom
- Glazed Finish: Mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle after baking
Storing Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze bars individually wrapped for up to 2 months
- Reheat in a low oven or microwave for best texture
Extra Tips
- Use tart apples for better flavor balance
- Don’t skip chilling — it helps bars slice cleanly
- Make extra streusel for a thicker crumb layer
- For firmer texture, bake an extra 5 minutes
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Crumbly bars | Chill longer before slicing | Let fully cool in pan |
| Too sweet | Add lemon or reduce sugar | Use tart apples |
| Soggy base | Bake a few minutes longer | Pre-bake crust before adding filling |
| Filling runs out | Use more cornstarch | Dice apples small and mix well |
Apple Dessert Bars
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Old-fashioned oats
- Cinnamon
- Apples
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice
Instructions
<ul><li>Make crust with butter, flour, and sugar and bake<br/></li><li>Mix apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch<br/></li><li>Spread apples on crust<br/></li><li>Mix streusel topping with oats, sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon<br/></li><li>Sprinkle topping and bake until golden<br/></li><li>Cool completely before slicing</li></ul>
Notes
Chill before slicing for best shape
Use tart apples for a balanced flavor
Add nuts or caramel drizzle for variation
Store chilled and reheat as needed
Let’s Bake and Enjoy These Apple Dessert Bars
These apple dessert bars are a cozy classic — easier than pie but just as satisfying. Try them out, add your own spin, and let me know how they turn out for you!
