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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.

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

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/apple-crisp-bars-recipe/