Apple Bars Recipe

Introduction

These apple bars offer a delightful combination of a buttery oat crust with a tender, spiced apple filling. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert, they bring warm flavors and a comforting texture that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• For the Crust and Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Apple Filling:
• 4 cups fresh apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crust and topping. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Step 3: Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, toss the diced apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until well coated.
5. Step 5: Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust in the pan.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples as a topping.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor and balanced sweetness.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the apple filling for a spicier kick.

Storage

Store apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy them cold—both are delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen apples can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing them with the filling ingredients to avoid a soggy crust.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats to make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Apple Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 114 reviews

These Apple Bars combine a buttery, crumbly oat crust and topping with a sweet, spiced apple filling, creating a perfect balance of tender, tart, and warm flavors. Ideal for dessert or a comforting snack, these bars are easy to prepare and bake in the oven, making them a classic treat for apple lovers.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 medium apples)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve about one-third of this mixture for the topping.
2. Make the Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and vanilla extract. Make sure all apple pieces are well coated to ensure an even filling that thickens properly when baked.
3. Assemble the Bars: Press the remaining two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan, creating the crust layer. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples.
4. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and thickened.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to let the filling set. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve as a delicious dessert or snack.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the granulated sugar slightly.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Keywords: apple bars, crumb bars, apple dessert, fall desserts, baked apple bars, easy apple bars