why make this recipe
Apple bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with a crumbly topping. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy night at home. These bars are easy to make and are sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Plus, with the added benefits of oats, they can even feel a bit wholesome!
how to make Apple Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it.
- Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
- Bake for another 30–35 minutes until the bars are golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- Whisk the powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze and drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.
how to serve Apple Bars
Apple bars are best served at room temperature or slightly warm. You can enjoy them plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The glaze adds a nice touch, making them even more delicious.
how to store Apple Bars
To store your apple bars, keep them in an airtight container. They can last for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can also refrigerate them for up to 10 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to 3 months.
tips to make Apple Bars
- Make sure your butter is cold to achieve a nice crumbly texture.
- Feel free to mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor.
- If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour as a substitute, though it may alter the texture slightly.
- Be careful not to overmix the topping to keep it light and flaky.
variation
You can easily customize apple bars by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also be added to enhance the flavor. For a twist, consider adding caramel drizzle on top!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes, you can use store-bought apple pie filling for convenience, but fresh apples will give you a better texture and flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you can still enjoy these delicious bars.
What kind of apples are best for baking?
Good baking apples include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Apple Bars
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful apple bars with a crumbly topping, perfect for any occasion and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it.
- Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
- Bake for another 30–35 minutes until the bars are golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- Whisk the powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze and drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.
Notes
Make sure your butter is cold for a nice crumbly texture. Mix different types of apples for a complex flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: apple bars, dessert, baking, easy recipe, fall treats, vegetarian