These Apple Crisp Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and crunchy! With layers of juicy apples and a delicious oat topping, they make for a tasty snack or dessert.
Honestly, who can resist that warm, gooey apple filling? I always end up grabbing a few extra for later—if they last that long! 😋
For me, they are great served with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s an easy treat that everyone loves, and the smell while baking is simply magical!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bars, giving them structure. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Rolled Oats: Oats add texture. Quick oats work in a pinch, but I prefer rolled oats for a chewier bite.
Brown Sugar: It adds richness and moisture. If you’re out of brown sugar, mix white sugar with a touch of molasses to create your own.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. You can mix and match with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples too, just aim for a balance of sweet and tart.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s melted to easily mix with dry ingredients. If you want to make it dairy-free, coconut oil works well as a substitute.
How Do You Make Sure Your Bars Slice Cleanly?
To get perfectly cut apple crisp bars, patience is key. Let the bars cool completely before slicing—this helps them set and prevents a mess!
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean lines and wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for even smoother edges.
- For extra gooeyness, let them chill in the fridge for about an hour before slicing.
How to Make Delicious Apple Crisp Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional for Serving:
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll bake it for 45-50 minutes. Be sure to let it cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. So overall, expect about an hour to enjoy these yummy Apple Crisp Bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and either grease it with some butter or line it with parchment paper. If you use parchment, leave some overhang at the sides to help lift out the bars later.
2. Make the Crust Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir everything together until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Keep half of this mixture aside for the topping.
3. Form the Crust:
Take the other half of the crumb mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. You want a nice, solid layer to hold everything together!
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, the rest of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until every piece is well coated. This will add so much flavor!
5. Assemble Everything:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan. Then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake the Bars:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Be patient, as cooling helps everything set. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
8. Enjoy Your Apple Crisp Bars:
Using the parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares. If you like, drizzle some caramel sauce on top for a delightful finishing touch. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature as a delicious dessert or snack!
With each bite, savor the warm apple goodness and that crunchy topping. Perfect for cozy gatherings or just a sweet treat at home!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples for sweetness and flavor. A mix of sweet and tart apples works great!
How Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
To make vegan Apple Crisp Bars, substitute the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter. You can also use a flax or chia egg to replace traditional eggs if the original recipe calls for them (though this recipe doesn’t require eggs).
Can I Prepare the Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can make these bars a day ahead. Just let them cool completely, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge. Warm them up slightly for the best taste when serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge where they’ll last for about a week. Just reheat them gently to enjoy them warm!
