Pumpkin Spice Apple Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumble

Meet the perfect fall treat: Pumpkin Spice Apple Oatmeal Bars. With only about 15 minutes of prep, these bars go into the oven and fill the house with cozy pumpkin-spice aroma. The recipe is straightforward, and one simple swap makes it gluten-free.

These bars work beautifully for breakfast with coffee, as a mid-afternoon snack, or dressed up as dessert. For extra indulgence, try a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This post was created in partnership with Vons. All opinions are my own.

It’s officially fall, and that means cooler weather, cozy sweaters, and seasonal flavors—apples and pumpkin spice top the list. This recipe is a fall reinterpretation of a summer favorite, changing blueberry for apple and adding pumpkin pie spice for warmth and depth.

Why you’ll love these bars: they combine hearty oats, warm pumpkin spice, and tart-sweet apples for a bar that’s sturdy enough to hold its shape yet tender and moist inside. They’re easy to prepare, family-friendly, and versatile. Use Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples for the best texture and flavor when baking.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour to make them gluten-free)
• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves)
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Pink Lady recommended), peeled and thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes a coarse crumble.
4. Measure out one cup of the oat mixture and set it aside for the topping.
5. Firmly press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 9″ x 13″ baking dish. For easy removal, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out.
6. Arrange the peeled and thinly sliced apples in an even layer over the pressed base.
7. Sprinkle the reserved cup of oat mixture evenly over the apple layer.
8. Bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars. Cooling helps the bars hold together and improves texture.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I have to peel the apples? No, you don’t have to, but peeled apples give a smoother texture and are the preferred option in this recipe.
• What apples work best? Granny Smith is ideal for baking because it holds up and balances the sweetness. Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Braeburn are also great choices.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. Store the bars covered at room temperature for up to five days. They’re often at their best on day one or two, but remain tasty for several days.
• How do I make them gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend—no other changes needed.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes. Double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, or bake two pans side-by-side. Baking time may vary slightly depending on pan depth.

Notes

• Cooling time: Wait at least 30 minutes, up to an hour, before slicing so the bars set and hold their shape. Cutting them immediately will yield crumbly pieces.
• Variations: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture for extra crunch, or fold in a half-cup of raisins for a touch of chewiness.
• Serving suggestions: Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze individual bars wrapped tightly for up to three months.

More pumpkin recipes

Looking for more fall-inspired ideas? Try these favorites (titles only):

• Pumpkin Cookie Cups with Salted Caramel Filling
• Pumpkin-Filled Pastries
• Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
• Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce
• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pumpkin Toast — the avocado toast of fall

Recipe summary

Yield: 12 bars • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 45 minutes • Total Time: 1 hour

Nutrition (per bar, approximate)

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 13 g (Saturated fat: 7 g)
• Sugar: 32 g • Fiber: 3 g • Sodium: 108 mg

These Pumpkin Spice Apple Oatmeal Bars are an easy, comforting way to enjoy seasonal flavors. They’re simple to make, adaptable to dietary needs, and perfect for sharing at brunches, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Happy baking!