Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

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Introduction

Apple Crisp Bars bring together tender, spiced apples and a buttery, crumbly topping in a convenient bar form. This dessert is perfect for sharing or packing as a sweet snack. With a crisp base and a warm apple filling, it’s a comforting treat that’s easy to make at home.

The image shows a stack of three crumb bars with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a pale, crumbly crust with a rough texture. The middle layer is a shiny, translucent, amber-colored fruit filling that looks smooth and slightly sticky. The top layer is a golden brown crumb topping, coarse and clumpy with small chunks scattered unevenly. The bars are stacked closely, with the top bar slightly bitten on one side, revealing the gooey filling inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 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 (Granny Smith recommended)
    • 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. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps remove the bars easily after baking.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, and salt for the base. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until it starts to turn golden.
  3. Step 3: While the base bakes, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Stir well and taste an apple piece to check the spices. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the warm base once it is out of the oven.
  4. Step 4: For the topping, mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until you have pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle this 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 apple filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool slightly in the oven for the best texture.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pan and cool completely on a wire rack, at least 30 minutes, before slicing into bars. This helps them hold together when serving. Enjoy your Apple Crisp Bars!

Tips & Variations

  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast, or mix in softer varieties like Fuji for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crisp topping for a crunchy twist.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
  • Make sure the butter in both the base and topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.

Storage

Store Apple Crisp Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual bars briefly in the microwave or oven until heated through. Enjoy them slightly warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of three square-shaped dessert bars stacked on a white plate against a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a pale golden crust that looks firm and slightly crumbly; the middle layer is a smooth, translucent, light caramel filling with a glossy texture that appears sticky; the top layer is a rough, crumbly streusel topping with a golden-brown color, giving the bars a textured and crunchy look. The bars are thick and the layers are evenly sized, creating a rich and inviting appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, frozen apples can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.

How do I prevent the bars from getting too soggy?

Using cornstarch in the apple filling helps thicken the juices. Also, baking the base before adding the filling and allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing helps maintain structure.

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Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

These Apple Crisp Bars combine a buttery, crumbly base with a spiced apple filling and a classic oat topping baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting dessert or a delicious snack, this recipe brings the taste of homemade apple crisp into convenient, easy-to-serve bars.

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 servings (bars) 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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 (Granny Smith preferred)
  • 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 make removal easier.
  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 firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes until it begins to turn golden brown.
  3. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the base is baking, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Taste a piece to ensure the seasoning is balanced. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked base once it comes out of the oven.
  4. Whip Up the Crisp Topping: In a bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until pea-sized crumbs form without overworking the mixture. Sprinkle this 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 and the apple filling is bubbly. Avoid cutting into the bars immediately to allow them to set properly.
  6. Cool and Slice: Let the Apple Crisp Bars cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once cooled, slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • Using parchment paper is essential for easy removal of bars without sticking or breaking.
  • Cold butter is key to achieving a crumbly, flaky texture in both the base and topping.
  • Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness which balances the sweetness of the sugar.
  • Allow bars to cool fully before slicing to ensure clean cuts and bars that hold together well.
  • You can store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Apple crisp bars, apple dessert bars, baked apple dessert, oatmeal topping, fall dessert

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