Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

Introduction

Apple Crisp Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining a buttery base with tender, spiced apples and a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for fall or anytime you crave a comforting treat, these bars are easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, for the base
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (divided)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 medium apples (about 600g), peeled and diced (Granny Smith recommended)
• 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar (for the filling)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the filling)
• 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
• 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour (for the topping)
• 1/2 cup (45g) rolled oats
• 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar (for the topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Step 3: While the base bakes, combine diced apples, 1/3 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and cornstarch in a bowl. Taste and adjust the cinnamon if desired. Spread this mixture evenly over the warm base.
4. Step 4: For the topping, mix 3/4 cup flour, rolled oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the remaining 1/2 cup cold butter until pea-sized crumbs form. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple layer.
5. Step 5: Bake the assembled bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly. Allow to cool before slicing.
6. Step 6: Cool the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to let the bars set. Slice into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith apples for a nice tart contrast, or mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor blend.
• Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling can enhance the warm spice profile.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Storage

Store Apple Crisp Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to bring back their fresh-baked warmth before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing the filling to prevent sogginess in the bars.

How can I make the bars less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the base and topping by a quarter or use a less sweet apple variety to balance the flavors.

Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

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5 from 567 reviews

These Apple Crisp Bars combine a buttery, flaky base with a sweet and tart apple cinnamon filling, topped with a classic oat crumble. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, they offer a deliciously comforting dessert or snack that’s easy to make and enjoy any time of year.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Base

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling

• 4 medium apples (about 600g), peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
• 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch

For the Crisp Topping

• 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (45g) rolled oats
• 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal of the bars.
2. Make the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, then bake for 15 minutes until it just starts turning golden.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the base bakes, toss diced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Taste-test a piece of apple to ensure the spice and sweetness are balanced. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the hot baked base.
4. Whip Up the Crisp Topping: Combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until pea-sized crumbs form. Sprinkle this crisp topping evenly over the apple layer.
5. Bake to Perfection: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Avoid cutting right away and allow the bars to cool slightly for better structure.
6. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, slice into bars and serve.

Notes

• Using parchment paper simplifies removing the bars and prevents sticking.
• Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor, which balances the sweetness.
• Don’t overwork the butter into the topping mixture to maintain a crunchy texture.
• Allowing the bars to cool fully ensures they hold together when sliced.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and confirm oats are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: apple crisp bars, apple dessert bars, cinnamon apple bars, baked apple dessert, easy apple crisp recipe, oat topping dessert