Delicious homemade apple crisp bars topped with crunchy oats.

Apple crisp bars

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Apple crisp bars are a delicious and comforting dessert. They combine the sweetness of baked apples with a crunchy topping, making them perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple to follow and uses common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, they are great for sharing with friends and family!

how to make Apple crisp bars

Ingredients :

  • 3/4 cup butter (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large apples (peeled and sliced)
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • A dash of salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
  2. Make the base: In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the butter pieces and blend until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
  3. Make the apple filling: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Spread this filling evenly over the base in the pan.
  4. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, oats, 3/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, 1/3 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a dash of salt. Mix in 1/2 cup butter until it resembles crumbs. Spread this topping over the apple filling.
  5. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Let it cool before cutting into bars.

how to serve Apple crisp bars

Apple crisp bars are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a nice touch of creaminess that pairs well with the warm apples and crunchy topping.

how to store Apple crisp bars

To store Apple crisp bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can refrigerate them, and they will last about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

tips to make Apple crisp bars

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
  • Adjust the sugar according to your taste and the sweetness of the apples.
  • Ensure you cut the butter into the flour well to achieve a nice crumbly texture.
  • Don’t overbake; keeping an eye on the topping will help prevent burning.

variation

You can add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the topping for extra crunch. Adding dried cranberries or raisins can give a nice twist to the filling as well.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, you can use frozen apples. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

2. What should I do if I don’t have oats?
If you don’t have oats, you can substitute with more flour or crushed cookies for a different texture.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.