Apple Pie Bars with Oats (Gluten-Free)
These Gluten-Free Apple Pie Bars with Oats bring together tender, cinnamon-scented apples and a buttery oat crust and topping, all made from one simple mixture. It’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors of homemade apple pie, with less preparation and a delicious contrast of textures in every bite.
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Oatmeal apple bars
If you love apple desserts, these apple pie bars are a lovely addition to your baking list. They bring together tender, cinnamon-scented apples and a golden oat topping, with a delicious contrast of textures in every bite.
These oatmeal bars are a simple way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie in a more casual format. If you enjoy fruit-filled desserts with a crisp topping, you might also like these Gluten-Free Apple Crisps.
One of the best things about this recipe is that the crust and oat topping are made from the same mixture. You simply prepare one batch, press part into the pan for the base, and sprinkle the rest over the apples. No need to make two separate mixtures! We love this kind of dessert because it feels familiar without being quite the usual apple pie. Just bake, let the bars cool, and cut them into squares.
What goes in: ingredient notes
Some NOTES about the main ingredients of this recipe are:
- Oats: Gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats. Add texture and a lovely rustic touch to the topping.
- Apples: The star of these bars! Choose Granny Smith or Pink Lady, or a mix; it’s the best for these apple pie bars
- Butter: Unsalted butter, melted.
- Ground cinnamon: A classic pairing with apples, giving a familiar apple pie flavor.
How to make gluten-free apple crumb bars
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the cubed apples with the lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt.
Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Transfer about 2/3 (two-thirds) of the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom to create the crust.
Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the apples. If desired, finish with a few sliced almonds.
Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares.
Keep the bars covered in the refrigerator. You can freeze them, wrap individual bars, or place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm briefly in the oven.
Good to know: baking tips
- Choose the right apples: A combination of Granny Smith and Pink Lady gives you a nice balance of tartness and sweetness while keeping the apple pieces intact after baking.
- Cut the apples evenly: Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly, and you get a consistent filling.
- Don’t skip the cooling time: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to get neat slices.
- Look for a golden topping: The oat topping should look lightly golden and set before you take the bars out of the oven.
You might wonder: FAQ
What are the best apples for apple pie bars? Granny Smith and Pink Lady are both great choices. We like combining them because Granny Smith adds tartness while Pink Lady brings natural sweetness. Both hold their shape during baking, keeping the apple filling tender but not mushy.
Can I make these apple pie bars ahead of time? Yes. You can bake them a day ahead and store them properly. Allow the bars to cool completely before covering and storing.
Can I add nuts to the oat topping? Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be delicious in the oat topping. They add a little extra crunch and pair especially well with the cinnamon-spiced apples. I recommend roughly chopping them so they blend nicely with the oats.
For more gluten-free apple recipes
- Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Cake
- Gluten-Free Quick Apple Cake with Almond Flour
- Gluten-Free Apple Blueberry Crumble
- Gluten-Free Apple Cobbler
- Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
Apple Crisp Bars (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 4-5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes (Granny Smith or Pink Lady)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the crust and crumble:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup light-brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed apples with the lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Transfer about 2/3 (two-thirds) of the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom to create the crust.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the apples. If desired, finish with a few sliced almonds.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares.
Notes
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