Apple Crumble Oatmeal Squares

Wholesome Apple Crumble Oatmeal Squares packed with warm cinnamon flavor—ideal for a cozy breakfast, lunchbox treat, or healthy dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Great for meal prep—perfect for breakfasts or snacks on the go
• Naturally sweetened with apples and just the right amount of sugar
• Soft and chewy texture with a lightly crisp topping
• Wholesome ingredients like oats, cinnamon, and fresh apples
• Kid-friendly and lunchbox-ready
• No mixer required—just mix, layer, and bake
• Less sugar than traditional desserts without sacrificing flavor
• Freezer-friendly for batch baking
• Versatile for any season with customizable fruit fillings

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Stir in the melted butter until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Reserve 3/4 cup of the oat mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
5. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and cornstarch.
6. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples begin to soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
7. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
8. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the apple layer.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp.
10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 9 squares
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per square

Variations

• Add nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat topping
• Use different fruits: Try pears, peaches, or mixed berries instead of apples
• Maple twist: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor
• Vegan option: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil
• Add flax: Stir 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed into the oat base for a fiber boost
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for deeper spice
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified GF oats
• Coconut topping: Mix shredded coconut into the crumble for added texture
• Lower sugar: Reduce granulated sugar or skip entirely for a less sweet filling
• Protein boost: Add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the crust mixture

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days in the fridge
• Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving
• Reheating: Microwave individual squares for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes

FAQs

Can I Use Quick Oats Instead Of Rolled Oats?

Yes, but the texture will be softer. Rolled oats give a heartier, chewier result.

Do I Need To Cook The Apples First?

Yes, pre-cooking helps thicken the filling and enhances the flavor before baking.

Can I Use Apple Sauce Instead Of Diced Apples?

Not for this recipe—it would make the bars too wet and lose texture.

Can I Double The Recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes.

What Kind Of Apples Should I Use?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well—choose firm apples that hold their shape.

Are These Bars Good For Breakfast?

Yes! They’re hearty, not too sweet, and pair great with yogurt or coffee.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Definitely. Make a day ahead and store covered for the best flavor and texture.

Is It Okay To Leave Them Out Overnight?

Yes, for one night. After that, store them in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Can I Add Raisins Or Dried Fruit?

Yes, stir them into the apple filling for extra sweetness and texture.

Do These Freeze Well?

They freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Apple Crumble Oatmeal Squares are a nourishing and delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie with the wholesome goodness of oats. Perfect for meal prep, holiday baking, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are easy to make and even easier to love. Keep a batch on hand for a cozy bite any time of day.

Apple Crumble Oatmeal Squares

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• Author: Chef Mia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 squares 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These wholesome apple crumble oatmeal squares feature a soft, spiced apple filling sandwiched between layers of chewy oat crust and golden crumble—ideal for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Reserve 3/4 cup of the oat mixture for topping, and press the rest firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla, and cornstarch. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the apples begin to soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp.
8. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

• For added texture, mix chopped nuts into the crumble topping.
• Use tart apples for a more balanced flavor profile.
• These squares store well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg