Vegan Apple Pie Crumble Bars

Nothing says Fall is here like Apple Pie. I know it is only mid-August, but that is basically September which is basically Halloween, so Fall is HERE.

What is better than Apple Pie? A handheld version.

These vegan Apple Pie Crumble Bars combine your favorite fall flavors with sweet and crunchy oats, giving you perfect Apple Pie vibes in every bite.

More recipes for apple lovers:

• Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bread
• Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
• Vegan Caramel Apples
• Beet Apple Farro Salad
• Apple Walnut Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash

Why You’ll Love Vegan Apple Pie Crumble Bars

• Basic ingredients – These apple pie crumble bars use basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The most unique ingredient is flaxseed, but that is easy to replace if you don’t have it (see ingredient notes).
• Sweet but not too sweet – These bars definitely fall into the dessert category, but they’re hearty enough for breakfast in my opinion. You can opt to reduce or eliminate the added sugar easily if desired.
• Customizable – As always, you can get creative with the spices you use, or even the filling. Add chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch and some added nutrition.

Ingredients

• Flour – I used all purpose flour for these bars, but you can easily swap with any gluten-free flour for this recipe – oat flour, almond flour, you name it.
• Oats – Be sure to stick with a certified gluten-free oat if desired.
• Oil – I use canola oil for this recipe, but you can swap with any neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable). If you are looking for an oil-free option, sub equal parts applesauce in the base and half the amount of water in the crumble top.
• Ground flaxseed – This acts as a binder for the base. If you don’t have flaxseed, you can swap with 2 tbsp nut or seed butter, 1/2 banana mashed or 1 egg if you aren’t vegan.
• Sugar* – I use cane sugar, but brown sugar would give this a lovely flavor as well. *A note about granulated sugar: Not all granulated sugar is vegan, make sure to choose a USDA Organic variety to ensure it is not processed with bone char, an animal ingredient.
• Honeycrisp Apples – Any apple will work for this recipe, Honeycrisp just happens to be my favorite.
• Spices – You’ll find your typical apple pie spices in this recipe – Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, allspice. Feel free to mix it up to add your favorites or adjust quantities as desired.
• Lemon Juice – This is used in the filling to balance the sweetness of the apples.
• Baking essentials – Baking soda and salt round out the remaining ingredients for these vegan apple pie crumble bars.

Helpful Equipment

In addition to your basics like mixing bowls and measuring cups and spoons, you will need the following equipment to make these bars:

• High-walled saute pan
• Medium baking dish (I used an 8″x10″ dish)
• Parchment paper (optional but very helpful)

How to Make Vegan Apple Pie Crumble Bars

Full step-by-step directions are also available in the recipe card below.

Make the Base

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp warm water and set aside for about 5 minutes. This is you flax egg.

In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix until evenly combined. Add the oil and flax egg and mix until a dough has formed.

Press the dough into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking dish until flat and even throughout.

The parchment paper allows these bars to be removed as a whole before cutting into portions. If you will be serving these bars straight from the baking dish, you can skip the parchment paper if desired.

Bake the base at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Make the Crumb Topping

To make the crumble topping, just add all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and combine with your fingers until a dry, crumbly texture is achieved. You can leave chunks or break them up into a finer crumb, totally your preference.

Set the crumble topping aside.

Make the filling

Peel and dice your apples to your desired size. I prefer finely diced cubes for easier cutting, but you could stick with full slices if you prefer.

Add the diced apples, spices, and cornstarch together in a cold pan. Mix until the apples are evenly coated. Add the water and lemon juice and heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Add more water as necessary to prevent the filling sticking to the bottom or sides of the pan.

Once the filling has thickened, remove it from heat and set it aside.

Assemble the Bars

Pour the apple pie filling over the pre-baked base and spread it into an even layer.

Add the crumble topping to your desired thickness. You can completely cover the apple pie filling or leave some exposed. Up to you!

Return the bars to the oven and bake 20-30 minutes at 350 F or until the crumble topping is slightly golden brown.

Let cool slightly, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the baking dish to slice and serve.

Enjoy!

How to Store Vegan Apple Pie Crumble Bars

• Fridge: Store these vegan apple pie crumble bars in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a crispier finish, or enjoy cold.

More Tips

• Gluten-free? Swap out the flour with any gluten-free flour of choice. Stick with certified gluten-free oats and you’re all set?
• Want some crunch? Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or roasted pumpkin seeds to the crumble topping for an added crunch.
• Want oil-free? Swap the oil in the base with applesauce. Swap the oil in the crumb with half the amount of water.

FAQ: Vegan Apple Pie Crumble Bars

Can I make Vegan Apple Pie Crumble Bars Gluten-Free?

Yes! Just swap out the flour with any gluten-free flour of choice and stick with certified gluten-free oats.

Can I freeze Vegan Apple Pie Crumble Bars?

Yup! Separate the individual bars by parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months in an air-tight container.

Last Updated on February 14, 2025