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Apple Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

These apple bars offer a perfect balance of soft, crumbly texture with a sweet and tangy apple filling, infused with warm spices. Easy to prepare and ideal for fall gatherings, breakfast, or a cozy dessert, they feature a buttery oat crust topped with a luscious apple mixture and a simple powdered sugar glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust and Topping

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (divided)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Apple Filling

  • 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped (preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to enable easy removal of bars after baking.
  2. Make the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping.
  3. Press the Base: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the back of a spoon or measuring cup to compact firmly. Bake the crust for about 10 to 12 minutes to set and develop a slight golden color.
  4. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the crust bakes, toss the peeled and chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Allow the apples to sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the cornstarch begins thickening the fruit.
  5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples.
  6. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
  7. Cool and Slice: Let the apple bars cool completely in the pan to ensure they hold together well and slice cleanly.
  8. Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving for added sweetness.

Notes

  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Fuji for the best flavor and texture contrast.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean, neat squares.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a crunchy variation.
  • Omit the glaze if you prefer less sweetness.
  • The bars freeze well when individually wrapped; thaw in the fridge or warm slightly before serving.

Keywords: apple bars, apple dessert, fall dessert, easy apple recipe, apple crumb bars, cozy dessert, baking with apples, oat crust bars

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