These Oatmeal Apple Bars with Caramel and Pecans are everything you love about fall wrapped into one cozy bite. Sweet cinnamon apples, buttery oats, gooey caramel, and a nutty pecan crunch bake up into soft, chewy bars that are part cookie, part crumble, and 100% irresistible.
Think of them as the easier, hand-held cousin of apple crisp, perfect for bake sales, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or just because the apples on your counter are begging for attention.
A quick look at the recipe
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Freezer-friendly: Yes, up to 3 months
- Best for: Fall desserts, potlucks, holidays, or an afternoon treat
Jump to:
- A quick look at the recipe
- Why you'll love this recipe
- Main ingredient notes and easy substitutions
- Recipe variations and twists
- How to make oatmeal apple bars with caramel and pecans
- Serving ideas
- Recipe FAQs
- Tips for perfect results every time
- More easy, sweet and savory apple recipes you’ll love
- From my Southern kitchen to yours
- Recipe:
Why you'll love this recipe
- Fall in every bite: Just like my Apple Dumplings, Apple Pastries, and Apple Cobbler, this apple dessert showcases warm cinnamon-spiced apples.
- Easy bar dessert: And, like my Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars and homemade Kit Kat Bars, you just mix, press, bake, and enjoy.
- Caramel and pecans: The sweet-salty drizzle and crunchy topping take these oatmeal apple bars over the top.
- Feeds a crowd: Like my Meyer Lemon Bars, this recipe makes a 9×13 pan, so it's perfect for parties or sharing.
- Make ahead friendly: Stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully.
Main ingredient notes and easy substitutions
Let's talk ingredients: what you need, what you can swap, and how to make it work with what's in your pantry. These are the main ingredients; the full list is waiting down in the recipe card.
Here's what makes these bars stand out (and a few simple swaps if you need them):
- Apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal, sweet-tart with a firm texture. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought apple pie filling, but fresh apples give better flavor and less sweetness.
- Old-fashioned oats: They bring the chewy, hearty texture. Quick oats will work, but skip steel-cut oats.
- Brown sugar: Adds that molasses depth you want in fall desserts. You could substitute coconut sugar for a slightly lighter taste.
- Caramel sauce: Store-bought keeps it quick, but if you have a homemade caramel sauce, this is the perfect time to show it off.
- Pecans: Toasting pecans first enhances the flavor. Allergic? Swap in pretzels for a salty crunch or leave them out for a nut-free version.
Recipe variations and twists
- Cranberry twist: Add ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling.
- Nut-free version: Use chopped pretzels for a salty crunch.
- Apple pie vibes: Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the apples before adding the crumble to mimic the taste of my Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls.
- Ice cream sundae style: Serve warm with Gingerbread Ice Cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate fall treat.
How to make oatmeal apple bars with caramel and pecans
- Prep the pan: Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Make the crumble: In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Press half into the pan to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Apple filling: Toss sliced apples with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and cinnamon. Spread over the crust.
- Caramel and topping: Drizzle caramel sauce over apples, then sprinkle with reserved crumble and toasted pecans.
- Bake: Return to oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Cool and cut: Let cool completely in the pan before slicing. Drizzle with extra caramel and pecans if desired.
Serving ideas
- Slice into squares for potlucks, after-school snacks, breakfast on the go, or bake sales.
- Serve slightly warm with a scoop of Bourbon Ice Cream or Pralines and Cream Ice Cream.
- Add a drizzle of salted caramel for extra flavor.
- Pair with sweet tea or apple cider for a cozy afternoon treat.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! They keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Use parchment between layers so they don't stick.
Absolutely. Wrap individually or flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or overnight in the fridge.
Yes, though the texture will be softer and less chewy.
Microwave 20-30 seconds or pop into a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Tips for perfect results every time
- Toast your pecans: It brings out a deeper, nutty flavor. To quickly toast pecans, microwave chopped nuts on a saucer for 2-3 minutes, tasting and adding 30-second bursts as needed. Or roast in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes (whole pecans take longer).
- Cool before cutting: They'll crumble if you cut while warm (though warm, gooey bites are tempting!).
- Don't skip the parchment: Makes removing and cutting much easier.
- Balance your apples: A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp is unbeatable.
More easy, sweet and savory apple recipes you’ll love
From my Southern kitchen to yours
These oatmeal apple bars with caramel and pecans are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you make them, I'd love to hear what you think. Please leave a comment, give it a star rating, and let me know what you are baking this fall.
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Oatmeal Apple Bars with Caramel and Pecans
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon divided
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Apple filling
- 3 cups apples, about 2-3 apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade plus more for topping
- ½ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, one teaspoon cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir with a fork until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, reserving the remaining crumble. Use your fingers to spread the mixture evenly and press it into the sides and corners. Fill in gaps with more crumble as needed, not using more than two-thirds of the total. Optionally, use the bottom of a glass or flat side of a mallet to press evenly. Bake crust for 10 minutes (won't be completely cooked), then remove from oven.
- While the crust bakes, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and the remaining half-teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Drizzle a half cup of caramel sauce over apples. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture and toasted pecans evenly across the caramel sauce. Bake at 350°F for an additional 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden and apples are tender.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and more pecans, if desired, before serving. Serve alone or warm up and serve with vanilla ice cream!
Notes
- Toast your pecans: It brings out a deeper, nutty flavor. To quickly toast pecans, microwave chopped nuts on a saucer for 2-3 minutes, tasting and adding 30-second bursts as needed. Or roast in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes (whole pecans take longer).
- Cool before cutting: They'll crumble if you cut while warm (though warm, gooey bites are tempting!).
- Don't skip the parchment: It makes removing and cutting much easier.
- Balance your apples: A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp is unbeatable.
Nutrition
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away, unless you wrap it in oats, butter, and caramel. Then it just keeps the neighbors coming back."
G&P Wisdom
Grits and Pinecones has been serving up delicious recipes with a Southern flair for over a decade. From tried-and-true classics to easy modern favorites, every dish is made with simple ingredients and plenty of love. Whether you're planning a holiday feast, a Sunday supper, or a quick weeknight meal, you'll find recipes here that are quick, easy, and perfect to share with family and friends.
Heidi
OMG these are to die for! Totally addictive.
Santhe Talley
These are amazing! Everyone wanted the recipe. Can’t wait to make again!
Sharon Rigsby
Wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed them, and thank you too for taking the time to let me know!
All the best,
Sharon
Sharon Rigsby
My husband and I both love these delicious bars for a quick breakfast on the go.