Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

Introduction

Apple Crisp Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining a buttery crumb base, a warm spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a cozy dessert, these bars bring together the best flavors of apple crisp in an easy-to-handle form.

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). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: Prepare the base by combining 1 cup flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: Bake the base for 15 minutes, until it just starts to set and turn golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked base.
6. Step 6: To make the crisp topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
7. Step 7: Bake for an additional 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and added flavor complexity.
• For extra texture, add a handful of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the crisp topping.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the brown sugar by a tablespoon or two.
• Make sure the butter is cold for both the base and topping; it helps create a crumbly, flaky 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 in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven until warmed through. These bars also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use a mix of apples or other varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may result in a sweeter filling.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to help maintain the structure of the bars.

Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 84 reviews

These Apple Crisp Bars combine a buttery, flaky base with a sweet and tart apple filling topped with a warm, cinnamon-spiced crumble. Perfect as a handheld dessert or snack, these bars offer all the comforting flavors of classic apple crisp in a portable form.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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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 (preferably Granny Smith)
• 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. Prepare the base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in the 1/2 cup cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
2. Make the apple filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well to coat the apples and thicken the natural juices.
3. Assemble the layers: Spread the apple filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan.
4. Prepare the crisp topping: In another bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the 1/2 cup cold cubed butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this crumble evenly over the apple layer.
5. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This will help the filling set and make serving easier.

Notes

• You can substitute Granny Smith apples with any tart variety or a mix for more flavor complexity.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• For extra richness, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• When cutting, use a sharp knife and wipe clean between cuts to keep the bars neat.

Keywords: apple crisp bars, apple dessert, fall dessert, cinnamon apple bars, easy apple bars, baked apple dessert