Name: Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 57 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups (147 g) all-purpose flour; 4 cups (500 g) apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (about 4-5 medium apples); 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons (85 g) chilled unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

If you’ve been longing for a dessert that combines the warm, cozy flavors of fall with the convenience of a handheld treat, then this Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture a tender shortbread crust hugging juicy, cinnamon-spiced apple slices, all topped with a buttery, crisp crumble that’s perfectly golden and irresistible. These bars are straightforward to make, bursting with classic apple crisp charm, and will quickly become your go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with one layer of light tan crumbly mixture with uneven small chunks mixed together, resembling coarse sand. A dark spoon is partially stuck in the mixture on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe comes down to simple, well-chosen ingredients that create layers of texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role—from the buttery shortbread crust acting as the sturdy base, to the tender apple filling providing juicy sweetness, and the crunchy crisp topping rounding everything out with a perfect contrast.

Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter makes it easy to cream with sugar for the shortbread crust.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor in both the crust and topping.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings a subtle warmth and complexity to the dough.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure for both the crust, filling thickener, and crumble topping.
Apples: Choose fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and topping while keeping the texture light.
Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that complements apples perfectly in the crisp topping.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly, balancing sweetness.
Chilled unsalted butter: Cubed and cold, it’s crucial for creating that beautifully crumbly topping texture.

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350º F and lining an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it so easy to lift the bars out once baked. In a large bowl, cream together room temperature butter and light brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes of good beating. Add vanilla extract and combine. Then stir in the flour until the dough looks crumbly but sticks together when pressed. Press this dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the crust is slightly puffed and set. It’s the perfect sturdy foundation for your bars.

Step 2: Toss the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, prepare your apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them thinly. This step can be a breeze with an apple peeler/corer if you have one handy. Toss the sliced apples in a bowl with flour and granulated sugar, making sure every piece is lightly coated. This coating is key to keeping your apple layer thick and luscious without getting watery. Once the crust is out of the oven and still warm, arrange the coated apples evenly on top.

Step 3: Create the Crisp Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together light brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Then, using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut in the chilled butter cubes until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This step is what gives the topping its signature buttery, crunchy texture. Sprinkle and press the crumble evenly over the apple layer, ensuring every bite will have that golden crisp. Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered at 350º F for 45 minutes, or until the topping is gorgeously golden and the apple filling is bubbly and inviting.

Step 4: Cool and Cut

Let your delicious bars cool completely in the pan. The parchment paper edges you left hanging over the sides will be your best friend here, making it simple to lift the entire crisp out in one go. Slice into 16 bars and prepare for deliciousness!

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

A square piece of crumb cake with three visible layers sits on crumpled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a firm, brown crust, the middle layer is light beige and soft, showing a creamy filling, and the top layer is a thick crumb topping in a tan, crumbly texture. Crumbs are scattered around the piece, and in the background, there are more cut pieces of crumb cake slightly out of focus and a small red apple slice near the front. The overall color tones are warm with soft natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These apple crisp bars are fantastic on their own, but if you want to step up the presentation and flavor, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the warm spices beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a lovely touch as well.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For brunch, they pair wonderfully with eggs or creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness. They also work as a charming finish to a hearty fall dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow guests? Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers and sliced fresh apples on the side. Alternatively, you can top individual bars with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a few raisins to add extra texture and bursts of flavor. For a fun twist, try layering these bars inside a parfait glass with Greek yogurt and granola for a layered dessert sensation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer them chilled, they will keep well in the refrigerator for about a week, just bring them back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these bars! Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Stored this way, the bars will maintain their quality for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that warm, just-baked feeling, reheat apple crisp bars in a 350º F oven for about 10 minutes until they are gently warmed through and the topping regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunch since it tends to make the topping soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can mix in other varieties like Fuji or Gala to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check that all your other ingredients, including baking additives, are gluten-free as well.

Why do I need to coat the apples with flour?

Coating the apples with flour helps thicken the juices released during baking, preventing the bars from becoming soggy and keeping the layers well-defined and deliciously textured.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can definitely prepare the crust and apple filling ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake. The topping is best made fresh just before baking to maintain its perfect crumble.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and slice gently to avoid breaking apart the topping or crust. For cleaner cuts, you can chill the bars fully before slicing, or warm the knife slightly by running it under hot water and wiping it dry between cuts.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe is the kind of dessert you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. It’s approachable yet impressive, cozy yet bright, and fits any occasion where you want to share a little homemade sweetness. Give it a try, and you might find these bars becoming a beloved staple in your recipe collection—and who doesn’t want that?