These Apple Crisp Bars are a tasty treat made with sweet apples and a crunchy oat topping. They’re perfect for dessert or a snack on the go!
Who can resist the smell of baked apples and cinnamon? I love packing these bars for lunch—they’re yummy and a fun twist on classic apple pie!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is your base for the bars. If you’re gluten-free, almond or oat flour can substitute, but monitor the texture as they behave a bit differently.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats add texture. Quick oats can be used if that’s what’s on hand, but they’ll be a bit softer.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps things balanced. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter will work well for the crust and topping.
Apples: Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness. Feel free to use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer sweeter bars!
Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices give warmth to the filling. If you don’t have nutmeg, just skip it! Cinnamon alone will still make it lovely.
How Do You Get the Right Crumb Texture for the Top?
Getting a crumbly topping is crucial for these bars. Start by mixing the flour, oats, and sugar first before adding the melted butter. This method helps create that perfect, crumbly topping.
- Mix dry ingredients until well blended.
- Add melted butter while stirring, but don’t overmix; it should look crumbly.
- When pressing the crumb mixture into the pan, use your hands to ensure even coverage.
For the top layer, sprinkle it evenly and press gently to keep it together while baking, ensuring a beautiful texture when it’s done!
Apple Crisp Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (about 4 medium apples, Granny Smith or your choice)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe for Apple Crisp Bars will take around 15 minutes for preparation and about 45-50 minutes for baking. After baking, allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step will ensure your bars cook evenly and get that delightful golden color. While the oven heats, grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Crust and Topping:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, pour in the melted butter and stir it all together using a fork until it is well combined and crumbly. You should have a sandy, crumb-like texture.
3. Form the Base Layer:
Take about two-thirds of the crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This forms a nice, even crust layer that will hold the delicious apple filling later.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with this flavorful mixture—this is what gives your filling its tasty character!
5. Assemble the Bars:
Now, spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in your baking pan. Carefully sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples, pressing it down gently with your hands to make sure it sticks together while baking.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time is important to let the bars set properly. After they’ve cooled for at least 30 minutes, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!
These Apple Crisp Bars are delicious on their own, but why not top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat?
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can substitute in other fruits like peaches, berries, or pears. Just ensure they’re properly sliced and slightly sweetened to balance the tartness.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well for a completely gluten-free treat.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I Prepare the Filling the Night Before?
Certainly! You can slice and mix the apples with the sugar, spices, and lemon juice, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. This will save you time and enhance the flavors when you’re ready to bake!