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Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

Apple Crisp Bars are a deliciously comforting treat featuring a buttery, flaky base topped with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a classic oat crumble topping. Perfect for dessert or a cozy snack, these bars combine tart Granny Smith apples with a sweet and crunchy oat topping for a perfectly balanced flavor and texture. Easy to make and versatile with variations for different preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

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. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Make the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until the base starts to turn golden.
  3. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the base bakes, in a separate bowl toss the peeled, diced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch to coat evenly. This mixture will thicken during baking and provide a balanced sweet-tart apple layer. Once the base is baked, spread the apple mixture evenly over it.
  4. Whip Up the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until pea-sized crumbs form, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep it crumbly and crisp. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple layer.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Avoid opening the oven too often to maintain heat, but keep an eye out for the perfect golden color.
  6. Cool and Slice: Remove the baking pan and allow the Apple Crisp Bars to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the bars set and prevents crumbling when sliced. Once cooled, cut into 12–16 bars depending on your preferred portion size. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use parchment paper to line your pan to prevent bars from sticking and ease removal.
  • Choose firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to avoid mushy bars.
  • Cut the cold butter into flour mixtures carefully to ensure a flaky base and crisp topping.
  • Do not overbake the base before adding the filling to avoid toughness.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts and better texture.
  • Variations include adding nuts to the topping, drizzling caramel after baking, or using gluten-free flour blends for dietary needs.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5–7 days.
  • Bake in a 9×13 pan if doubling the recipe, adjusting baking times accordingly.

Keywords: Apple Crisp Bars, apple dessert, apple cinnamon bars, baked oat topping, apple bars recipe, fall dessert, cinnamon apple dessert

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