This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure policy here.
This sour cream apple bars recipe is creamy in the center with a crunchy streusel topping that makes this a fall dessert you won’t want to miss.
We are taking a momentary break from our pumpkin themed posts. We made our weekly trip to the farmer’s market this week and one of my favorite things to do there this time of year is the apple tasting. Of course, I have to taste all of them! There are so man good ones but my favorite always ends up being the Honey Crisp!
Apple Bars Recipe
All that apple tasting put me in the mood for one of my favorite bar cookies. I first made them years ago when I was putting a dessert bar together for a large church event. Today’s recipe for Sour Cream Apple Bars may be my favorite sweet treat from that menu. It’s a perfect fall dessert recipe!
This bar cookie is the perfect combination of creamy thanks to the sour cream and crispy thanks to the nuts and oats. The apples are shredded and mixed in with the sour cream layer.
Should I Peel My Apples for apple bars?
The first time I made these bars I peeled my apples but this last time I left the skin on. I didn’t notice any different in taste or texture so I’m leaving the skin on from now on. I have used both a Honey Crisp apple and a Granny Smith apple for these apple bars.
How to make Sour Cream Apple Bars
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Combine butter and brown sugar in large bowl until creamy.
- Add oats, flour, pecans, baking soda, cinnamon and allspice. Beat until well mixed
- Press HALF of crust mixture onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9 pan
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light golden brown
- Combine the filling ingredients; mix well
- Gently pour the filling over the hot, partially baked crust
- Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the top of the fill and press down lightly
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set
Can I Use a Different Kind of Nut?
I used pecans but these bars would also be delicious using walnuts if you prefer.
Next time you are in the mood for an apple pie, give these sour cream apple bars a try. They will totally satisfy your pie craving and they are easier to make!
Check out more of my favorite desserts:
For all my other favorite kitchen products and tools visit my Amazon Store.
Sour Cream Apple Bars
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 cups uncooked quick cooking oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp allspice
Filling:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 egg
- 2 apples about 2 cups apples, unpeeled, shredded
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees
- Combine butter and brown sugar in large bowl
- Beat at medium speed until creamy
- Add remaining crust ingredients and beat until well mixed
- Press HALF of crust mixture onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9 pan
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light golden brown
- While crust is baking combine the filling ingredients; mix well
- Gently pour the filling over the hot, partially baked crust
- Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the top of the fill and press down lightly
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set
- Cool
- Cut into bars
- Store refrigerated
Recommended Products
Nutrition Facts:
Karen Emerson says
Sounds yummy! I just checked out the landolakes.com website, and they appear to be selling some baking magazines there. The current one is Harvest Baking and if you click on the simple rewards club, there seems to be a deal for a set of 4 include Holiday Baking!
Leigh Anne says
Karen, Thanks for the tip – I’ll definitely check it out.
Marnie says
Apples, sour cream, crumble top… boy, are you talking my language here! These sound scrumptious- perfect for fall! Thanks for sharing this one. 🙂
jayna says
These sound delicious. They remind me of another you may want to try. Have you ever had Raspberry Cheesecake Bars? You should try them if you haven’t:
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup almonds, finely chopped
1/2 cup shortning
2 8oz cream cheese
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 t. almond extract
1 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup almonds, sliced
Combine flour, b. sugar and chopped almonds. Cut in shortening until resembles fine crumbs. Set aside 1/2 cup of mixture for topping. Press remaining in bottom of 9×13 pan. Bake 350 for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden. In another bowl mix cream cheese, sugar, eggs and almond extract until smooth. Spread over hot crust and return to oven for 15 min. Spread jam over cream cheese mixture, set aside. In small bowl combine reserve crumbs, coconut and sliced almonds. Sprinkle over jam. Bake 15 min. longer. Cool in pan non wire rack. Chill 3 hours before cutting, store in fridge.
Kara says
These look amazing Leigh Anne! Are apples aren’t quite ready yet, but as soon as they are, I’m giving these a try. 🙂
Paula says
Thanks for the recipe! We went apple picking up here in New England last weekend and I’ve been searching for new things to do. I made apple butter, apple sauce and was looking for a dessert to make for tonight. We’re headed to a neighbor’s house for a potluck and my assignment was appetizer. I happen to know no one is making dessert so I’m taking this along with my buffalo chicken dip 🙂
I’m off to the store now to get the ingredients I need. Since we just moved here I have no pecans OR quick cooking oats! I so need my pantry put back together.