Apple Crisp Bars

These Apple Crisp Bars are made with a buttery shortbread base, layered with spiced apple slices and topped with a brown sugar crumble oatmeal topping. A fun twist on a classic that's sure to be a hit at your fall gatherings!

Posted: 4/3/2020; Updated: 8/29/2021

These easy apple crisp bars are going to be your go-to dessert for everything fall! They are simple to make, cut easily into large (or small) apple crisp squares for easy transport and eating, and store super well for days.

The base is chewy, the apples keep a slight crisp bite to them and are pleasantly spiced with warm fall flavors, and that crumble topping! It's my favorite part about the bars and I make it with oatmeal for extra texture and to replicate that classic crisp topping.

While slightly more labor intensive than a traditional apple crisp, it is well worth it to serve a crisp/pie hybrid and people will love it! These can be eaten cold or brought to room temperature. Warming them up may cause the shortbread to fall apart if you try to pick it up, but you could always just eat it with a fork!

Make these bars in a 13x9" pan, which serves 12 (or more). You can also half the recipe and make it in an 8x8" pan if you want a smaller quantity. See the FAQs at the end for instructions on how to freeze the bars!

Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe

There's three parts to this recipe: shortbread crust, apple layer, and crumble layer. Here's how to make the best apple crisp bars:

Start by preparing a 13x9" pan with parchment paper so you can easily remove the bars after they're chilled. Check out this quick video on how I prepare my pan. Also preheat the oven to 300℉.

Shortbread base

To make the shortbread base, start by creaming the softened butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer) for four minutes. It will become light in color and slightly aerated. Then, scrape down the sides.

Add the sugar, vanilla and salt and beat on medium speed for one minute. Scrape down he sides again. Then, add the flour and mix on low until it's just combined. It will look crumbly at first, but then will come together into one mass.

Pluck off dollops of dough and place them all around the pan, especially along the edges. The dough is slightly sticky, so this is the best way to evenly distribute the dough. Use your fingertips to gently (and relatively quickly) press the dough around.

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Have a bit of patience here - it will all come together. It will feel too thin, but this is correct! Once the dough is evenly pressed into the pan, bake the base for 15 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool. Raise the heat to 350℉.

Apple Layer

While the base is cooking, peel, core, and slice the apples to ~⅛" thick and add to a large bowl. Sprinkle over the flour, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg and toss together with a rubber spatula until there's no longer dry bits in the bottom of the bowl.

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Crumble Topping

To make the crumble layer, simply mix the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, oats and salt with a fork until crumble and no dry pieces remain.

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Assembly

Sprinkle one third of the crumble topping over the shortbread base. Then, layer the apple slices in rows, slightly overlapping pieces and filling in any gaps as necessary. Lightly press the apples down with your hands.

Then, sprinkle on the remaining crumble topping evenly over the apples. Return to the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

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Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Then, add to the fridge for at least 2 hours for the bars to firm up.

When ready to serve, cut the bars (using a sharp chef's knife) into 12 or more pieces and serve.

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