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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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