Apple Crisp Bars with Oats & Dark Chocolate – Decadent Sweet-Savory Treat
Indulge in warm, gooey apple crisp bars with a crunchy oat topping and melty dark chocolate. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy movie nights!
These apple crisp bars elevate the classic dessert with a sweet-and-savory twist. The oat-based topping adds wholesome crunch, while dark chocolate chips create pockets of rich indulgence. Baked to golden perfection, these bars are easy to customize and perfect for sharing.
Whether you're hosting a fall party or craving a cozy snack, these bars deliver the perfect balance of crisp texture and warm cinnamon-spiced apples. The dark chocolate adds depth without overpowering the natural fruit flavor.
What makes this recipe special? The combination of oats and dark chocolate creates a unique flavor profile that's both comforting and sophisticated. The bars hold up beautifully when stored, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts.
From the first bite of buttery oat topping to the last melty chocolate chip, every layer is designed to satisfy your sweet tooth. These bars freeze perfectly too, so you can enjoy them for weeks after baking.
Ready to create a dessert that's equal parts wholesome and indulgent? Let's dive into the details of making these irresistible apple crisp bars.
Ingredients
- 9 oz (255g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (25g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 12 oz (340g) Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (90g) dark chocolate chips (60-70% cocoa)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
💡 Tip: Use parchment paper for clean slicing and easy cleanup.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine oats, melted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until crumbly but holds together when pressed.
💡 Tip: For extra texture, use a food processor to pulse the oats briefly before mixing.
- Step 3: In another bowl, toss apple slices with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread half the oat mixture in the prepared pan.
💡 Tip: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness.
- Step 4: Layer the apple mixture over the oats, then top with remaining oat mixture. Sprinkle dark chocolate chips evenly across the surface.
💡 Tip: Press the topping gently to ensure even coverage.
- Step 5: Bake for 28-32 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let cool completely before slicing into 12 bars.
💡 Tip: For gooey centers, avoid overbaking - check at 28 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Ready in 45 minutes with minimal prep. No special equipment needed - just a mixing bowl and baking pan.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Uses pantry staples like oats and flour. Apples and chocolate chips are affordable yet elevate the flavor profile.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Sweet-and-savory combination appeals to diverse tastes. Perfect for potlucks, holiday tables, or classroom treats.
🌟 Versatile
Customize with nuts, different chocolates, or seasonal spices. Freeze well for future enjoyment.
Apple Crisp Bars with Oats & Dark Chocolate
Sweet-and-savory bars with a buttery oat topping and melty chocolate.
🛒 Ingredients
- - 9 oz old-fashioned rolled oats
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- - 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- - 12 oz Granny Smith apples
- - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep Pan: Line 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
💡 Use parchment for easy slicing.
Mix Topping: Combine oats, butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
💡 Pulse oats briefly for texture.
Prepare Apples: Toss apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
💡 Tart apples ensure perfect balance.
Assemble: Layer apple mixture and top with remaining oats and chocolate chips.
💡 Press topping gently for even coverage.
Bake: Bake 28-32 minutes at 350°F until golden.
💡 Check at 28 minutes for gooey center.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
Provide the perfect chewy texture. Do not substitute with quick oats - they'll make the topping too soft.
Substitutions: Use gluten-free oats for dietary restrictions.
Dark Chocolate Chips
60-70% cocoa creates rich pockets without overpowering the apples. Milk chocolate can be used but will make the bars sweeter.
Substitutions: Try white chocolate or caramel bits for different flavor profiles.
Granny Smith Apples
Their tartness balances the sweetness. Avoid overly sweet apples like Honeycrisp.
Substitutions: Use Fujis or Braeburns as alternatives.
Butter
Adds rich flavor and helps bind the topping. Can be substituted with coconut oil for vegan version.
Substitutions: Use vegan butter for dairy-free option.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bars
✨ Texture Balance
Use a food processor to pulse oats for uneven texture that adds visual interest and varied mouthfeel.
🔪 Apple Prep
Toss apples with lemon juice immediately after slicing to prevent browning.
❄️ Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble bars up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
🔥 Baking Hack
Place on lower oven rack for even browning. Rotate pan halfway through baking.
Variations & Customizations
Nutty Twist
Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat topping for extra crunch.
Spiced Chocolate
Use cinnamon-dusted chocolate chips or sprinkle ground cinnamon over the topping.
Gluten-Free Version
Substitute with certified gluten-free oats and use gluten-free flour in the topping.
Fruit Swap
Replace apples with pears or a mix of apples and tart cherries for seasonal variation.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Vanilla ice cream for a classic contrast
- Whipped cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce
- Crumbly blue cheese for a savory twist
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with spiced chai tea, dessert wine like late harvest Riesling, or a rich stout beer.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble unbaked bars up to 24 hours ahead. Store in refrigerator until ready to bake.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled bars in airtight container for up to 3 days. They'll soften slightly but retain flavor.
Freezer Storage
Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Warm in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until crisp. Avoid microwave for best texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Topping is too crumbly?
A: Add 1-2 tbsp additional melted butter to the oat mixture. The topping should hold together when pressed.
Q: Apples are too wet?
A: Pat apple slices dry with paper towels before layering. Excess moisture can make the bars soggy.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, use two 8x8-inch pans. Baking time remains the same but check at 28 minutes.
Q: Chocolate chips sink to the bottom?
A: Sprinkle chips after the first layer of topping. They'll rise as the bars bake.
Final Thoughts
These apple crisp bars with dark chocolate are the ultimate sweet-and-savory treat. The combination of warm cinnamon-spiced apples, crunchy oat topping, and melty chocolate creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and sophisticated.
Whether you're looking for a quick dessert or a make-ahead snack for the week, these bars deliver on every level. They're perfect for fall baking, holiday tables, or simply satisfying your chocolate craving. Try them with a cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up or serve them with ice cream for an indulgent finish to any meal.
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Marcus Hale
Nov 17, 2025
Apple Crisp Bars turned out amazingly sweet and crisp. Tried the bar on Thursday, noting the oat topping stayed crunchy while the dark chocolate drizzle gave a bittersweet finish that made the apple slices glow, adding a savory note. Tested a longer chill, letting the bars sit ten minutes extra to set the chocolate better. Honestly, five stars because it’s now a regular rotation snack that feels both indulgent and easy.
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