If you’re craving the comforting flavors of apple pie but want something a bit easier to make, these Apple Crisp Bars are the perfect solution. With a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of tender spiced apples, and a crunchy oat topping, these bars offer a delicious combination of textures and flavors. They’re easy to prepare and make for a wonderful dessert or snack during the fall season when apples are at their peak.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 medium apples, peeled and diced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cook the Apple Filling: In a large skillet, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Oat Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the oat topping over the apples.
Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the bars are set.
Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Serving Tips:
Warm or Room Temperature: These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For a cozy fall treat, serve them slightly warmed.
With Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, top each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm apple filling.
Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the flavors with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the bars before serving for an extra layer of sweetness.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: These bars also make a delightful afternoon snack when paired with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store leftover Apple Crisp Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Refrigeration: If you prefer to keep them longer, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling them will help maintain the texture of the oat topping.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly in the microwave.
Reheating: To enjoy warm bars again, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of apple for Apple Crisp Bars?
Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal as they balance the sweetness of the crumble and filling. However, sweeter varieties like Gala or Fuji can also be used if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
How do I keep the oat topping crunchy?
To keep the oat topping crunchy, make sure to bake the bars until the topping is golden brown. Also, allow the bars to cool completely before storing, and store them uncovered for the first couple of hours to prevent moisture buildup. For long-term storage, use an airtight container but avoid tightly wrapping them right away.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well to ensure the recipe remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare Apple Crisp Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the bars a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. If you’d like to serve them warm, simply reheat individual bars in the microwave or oven before serving. They also freeze well for longer storage!
Conclusion:
These Apple Crisp Bars are a delightful dessert that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or enjoying as a treat with your morning coffee. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crunchy oat topping, they offer all the flavors of apple pie in an easy-to-make bar form. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Crisp Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Crisp Bars are a delicious blend of a buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for fall, this easy-to-make recipe combines the flavors of apple pie with the convenience of bars. Enjoy them as a dessert or snack, and pair them with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle for an extra treat.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 medium apples, peeled and diced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter until crumbly. Press mixture into the pan to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
- In a skillet, cook apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and thickened. Remove from heat.
- In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust, and sprinkle the oat topping on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
For the best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith.
You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle for an extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 290 kcal
