Apple Crisp Crumble Bars

This post is sponsored by NOW Foods. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Indulge in some sweet fall flavors with these delicious apple crisp crumble bars. These crumble bars are made with better-for-you ingredients of fresh-picked apples, pecans, oats and coconut oil. The soft cinnamon apple filling pairs perfectly with a crumbly oat topping for a delicious treat!

It’s no surprise that one of my favorite things about fall is all of the delicious fall-inspired recipes and comfort cooking. While I love the fresh grilled recipes of summer, fall brings forth some of my favorite dishes. Whether it’s hearty soups, roasted veggies or decadent desserts and treats, there’s something so special about the heartiness and rich flavors of fall.

Apple picking is a fall family tradition so we’re always on the search for yummy ways to use up crisp and sweet apples. One of my favorite fall desserts is hands down apple crisp! Cinnamon and apples is an all time well-loved flavor combo and a crumbly top is so good and pulls it all together. While I could eat apple crisp everyday, this healthier apple crisp crumble bar recipe is a lighter and a better-for-you treat option made with wholesome and natural ingredients.

These vegan and gluten-free bar treats are so simple to make and a great grab-and-go option. The recipes is made of mostly pantry staples like NOW Foods Rolled Oats, NOW Foods Coconut Oil, NOW Foods nuts (I prefer pecans, but you can also use walnuts), brown sugar and rich, full bodied spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. If you’ve been around long enough, you know my love of NOW Foods. When it comes to pantry staples and whole foods, NOW is my go-to brand for their high-quality, nothing-but-the best ingredients. They test all ingredients from their vendors for purity (you can read and see more about the process here) and pride themselves on their transparency when it comes to their products. If you want to try NOW Foods products (they have everything from natural foods, to essentials oils, to supplements, beauty products and more), use code: AMBER for 20% off at NOWFoods.com.

Ready to make your new favorite fall treat? These apple crisp crumble bars have an oatmeal crust for a chewy texture that is topped with a thick layer of apple cinnamon goodness. Add a layer of crumbly oat and pecan deliciousness to bring all the flavors together for the ultimate fall dessert. These bars can be served warm or cool. If serving warm, they are a bit more crumbly, but still delicious. Quick tip: They are a bit easier to cut and stay in shape if you let them cool completely first!

These are perfect for an after dinner dessert or to send as a special lunch box surprise. Pair it alongside vanilla ice cream of frozen yogurt to really make the flavors pop!

In this recipe, you’ll begin by making your apple pie filling. While the filling is simmering on the stovetop, you can go ahead and begin working on making your crust and crumble top. I’ve included a few notes below for those looking for substitutions or modifications.

Substitution Notes and Tips:

• For these apple bars, I substituted oat flour for regular flour to provide a more fiber-rich dish. You’ll see in the recipes notes that you’ll separate your oat quantities in the recipe so you can make your own oat flour (with the 1 cup you reserve). If you already have oat flour in your pantry, feel free to just use that from the start and save yourself a step.
• You can easily substitute coconut sugar for the brown sugar. Coconut sugar leads to a bit drier of a bar and I prefer the richness of using brown sugar.
• Out of coconut oil? You can substitute with regular unsalted butter in a 1:1 ratio.
• Want less sugar? Omit the 2 tablespoons brown sugar added to the apple filling mixture.

When it comes to fall treats, do you prefer pumpkin or apple?

Don’t forget to use my code, AMBER, for 20% off all products at NOWFoods.com.