If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting treat that brings the warm flavors of fall to your kitchen, these Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars are just the thing! I love how they combine the classic taste of apple pie with the wholesome goodness of oats. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a cozy family gathering, these bars make for an easy breakfast or a sweet snack that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they fill your home with the delightful aroma of cinnamon and baked apples—what could be better?

These Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars are not just tasty; they’re also super easy to whip up. You’ll find that they quickly become a staple in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these bars in the oven before you know it.
Family favorite: Everyone loves a good apple dessert, and these bars are no exception! They’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
Make-ahead convenience: Bake a batch on the weekend, and enjoy them all week long for breakfast or snacks.
Healthy twist: Made with wholesome oats and fresh apples, these bars offer comfort without the guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars, you won’t need anything fancy—just simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Apple Filling

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

For the Oatmeal Base

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)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch!
Mix in dried fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins can add a lovely sweetness.
Change up the spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free oats and flour to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by cooking your apples! In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples along with the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, water, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined. Let this mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the apples soften slightly. This step is crucial as it enhances their natural sweetness and creates a delicious filling.

Step 2: Make the Oatmeal Base

In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything together until well blended. Now comes the fun part—add in those cut-up pieces of cold butter! Using your fingers or a pastry cutter (if you have one), work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. This creates that crumbly texture we love!

Step 3: Assemble Your Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) with some butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on. Press half of your oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the dish evenly. Then spread that wonderful apple filling over top! Finally, sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture over everything like a crumb topping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop those assembled bars into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes until golden brown on top. The smell will be incredible! Keep an eye on them—when they’re done, let them cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

And there you have it—delicious Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars ready to be shared (or enjoyed all by yourself!). Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars

Making these Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. This combination adds depth to the flavor of your bars, making them irresistibly delicious.
Don’t Skip the Cinnamon: A generous sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the apple flavor and evokes that classic apple pie taste. It also makes your kitchen smell heavenly while baking!
Let Them Cool Completely: After baking, allow your bars to cool thoroughly before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and prevents them from falling apart when you slice into them.
Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: For the best texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats. They provide a heartier bite and better structure to your oatmeal bars.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to the mix! Walnuts or raisins add a delightful crunch or chewiness, taking your bars to another level.

How to Serve Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars

These Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars are not only scrumptious on their own but can also be dressed up for an even more delightful treat. Here are some creative serving suggestions!

Garnishes

Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch that pairs beautifully with the warm flavors of the bars.
Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce can elevate these bars to dessert status, creating a sweet contrast that’s simply divine.

Side Dishes

Greek Yogurt: Serve a side of creamy Greek yogurt for a protein-packed addition that balances out the sweetness of the bars. You can even sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for added flavor.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits complements the richness of the oatmeal bars while adding a splash of color to your plate.
Chai Tea: Pairing these bars with a warm cup of chai tea creates a cozy atmosphere, enhancing the comforting flavors in every bite.
Smoothie: Blend up a fruity smoothie made with bananas and berries for a nutritious side that will make your breakfast or snack complete.

Enjoy crafting these delicious Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as part of your meal prep for those busy mornings ahead.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch on the weekend, and they’ll be ready to grab and go throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
Place the bars in an airtight container.
Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

Cut the bars into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label with the date!

Reheating

To reheat from frozen, remove the desired number of bars and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars!

Can I use different types of apples for Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars?

Absolutely! You can use any variety of apples you prefer. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness.

How do Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars compare to traditional apple pie?

Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars offer all the delicious flavors of traditional apple pie but are healthier and easier to grab on-the-go!

Can I substitute butter in this recipe?

Yes! You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.

Are Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these bars keep well and are perfect for meal prep! They make an easy breakfast option or snack throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Apple Pie Oatmeal Bars! They’re not only simple to prepare but also bring that comforting taste of apple pie into every bite. Whether you have them for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your home. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!