Apple Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Apple Bars combine a tender oat crust with a spiced apple filling, making a perfect treat for any season. They offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with a crisp topping. Easy to prepare and delicious to share, they’re a great choice for home bakers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crust and topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
• 4 cups peeled, chopped fresh apples
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apple filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1½ cups of this mixture for the topping.
3. Step 3: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until it is lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, toss the chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Spread the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples.
6. Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. While cooling, mix powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving, or enjoy them plain.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
• For a nuttier texture, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner one, add a bit more.
• Substitute lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for a different tangy twist.

Storage

Store the apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds for a warm treat. These bars also freeze well; wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the bars soggy.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free apple bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Apple Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 90 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delicious Apple Bars feature a buttery oat and cinnamon crust topped with a sweet, spiced apple filling and a crumbly topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert or snack, they combine fresh apples with warm spices and a hint of vanilla, finished with a light powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.

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Ingredients

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Crust and Topping

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crust and topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes

Apple Filling

• 4 cups peeled, chopped fresh apples
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apple filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Glaze

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and the first teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1½ cups of this mixture for topping.
3. Bake Crust: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until it’s lightly golden and set, forming the base for the apple filling.
4. Prepare Apple Filling: While the crust is baking, toss the peeled and chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. Let this mixture rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to begin thickening the juices.
5. Assemble Bars: Spread the apple filling evenly over the baked crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top to create a crunchy topping.
6. Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly around the edges, indicating the filling is cooked through.
7. Cool and Add Glaze: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, whisk powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to make a glaze and drizzle it over the bars for a sweet finish, or enjoy the bars plain.

Notes

• The nutmeg is optional but adds a nice warm spice flavor; you can omit it if preferred.
• Make sure the butter is cold when cutting it into the flour mix to achieve a crumbly texture.
• Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Letting the bars cool completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting into the bars.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple bars, apple dessert, cinnamon apple bars, baked apple bars, oatmeal crust, easy apple recipe