Print

Apple Crisp Bars

Close-up of a perfectly baked apple crisp bar with a crumbly topping and gooey apple filling.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Enjoy the taste of apple crisp in a convenient bar form, featuring a buttery shortbread base and a sweet oat crumble topping.

Ingredients

  • For the Shortbread Base: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • For the Apple Filling: 4 medium apples (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji recommended); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • For the Oat Crumble Topping: 1 cup rolled oats (not instant); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the shortbread base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  3. Prepare the apple filling: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the shortbread base.
  4. Prepare the oat crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple layer.
  5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
  6. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This is crucial for clean slicing.
  7. Once cooled, cut into bars or squares.

Notes

  • For best results, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them hold their shape.
  • Store leftover apple crisp bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • These bars are excellent for make-ahead planning and are a popular choice for bake sales.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/apple-crisp-bars/