Dive into the flavors of fall with these Easy Apple Crisp Bars, a delightful blend of sweet, tender apples and a crispy, buttery topping. This dessert combines the classic appeal of apple crisp with the convenient, portable form of a bar, making it perfect for afternoon snacks, autumn gatherings, or whenever the mood for something sweet and seasonal strikes.
Embrace the Essence of Autumn
These apple crisp bars are not only easy to make but are packed with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples. Here’s how to whip up this autumn-inspired treat with ease.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp Bars
- Perfect Crumb Base and Topping: Ensure that the butter is cold for the base to help create a crumbly, crisp texture. Using your hands or a pastry cutter to blend the butter with the dry ingredients helps achieve the perfect crumb consistency.
- Thinly Sliced Apples: Slice the apples thinly for even baking and a pleasing texture in every bite of the bars.
- Layering: Press the first layer of the crumb mixture firmly into the pan to form a stable base, then gently arrange the apple mixture and finally top with the remaining crumbs and crumble topping.
- Even Baking: Bake the bars until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly to ensure that every layer is perfectly cooked through.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into them. This patience pays off by keeping the bars from falling apart and enhances the flavors.
Recipe for Easy Apple Crisp Bars
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
- Serving: 9-12 bars
- Equipment: 9×9 inch baking pan
A must-try recipe for any apple dessert lover.
Ingredients:
- Crust and Crumb:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Apple Filling:
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Directions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is coarse and crumbly. Firmly press half of this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Spread this evenly over the prepared crust.
- Add Crumb Layer: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apples.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping over the crumb layer.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Once cool, lift out using the parchment paper, cut into bars, and serve.
A Celebration of Seasonal Flavors
These Easy Apple Crisp Bars capture the essence of fall in every bite. They are perfect for sharing at holiday celebrations or enjoying with a warm cup of cider on a crisp autumn day. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy, satisfying dessert that’s sure to become a new seasonal favorite.
