Apple Bars
These apple bars combine the sweetness of fresh apples with a crumbly, buttery crust, making them a perfect snack or dessert any time of the year.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour For the crust
- 1.5 cups old-fashioned oats Adds texture
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar To sweeten the crust
- 0.75 cups brown sugar Adds depth of flavor
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed Important for crust texture
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon Adds flavor
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) Use for additional flavor
For the apple filling
- 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped Use a mix of sweet and tart apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Prevents browning
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Thickens filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor
For the glaze
- 0.5 cups powdered sugar Sweet glaze
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze) Adjust for desired consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, sugars, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping. Press the rest into the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
Apple Filling
- In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust and sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
- Bake for an additional 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Finishing Touch
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with milk and drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.
Notes
Using a mix of tart and sweet apples can enhance the flavor. For example, Granny Smith apples provide tartness while Fuji apples add sweetness. Consider adding nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.