Apple Bars

Apple bars are a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with a buttery crumb topping. They are easy to make and are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a sweet treat at home. If you enjoy delicious desserts showcasing apples, you might also be interested in making caramel apple cheesecake bars.

Why Make This Recipe

Making apple bars is a great way to use fresh apples and to create a deliciously sweet treat. They are not only easy to prepare but also offer a comforting flavor that everyone can enjoy. Additionally, apple bars can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy schedules.

How to Make Apple Bars

Making apple bars involves a few simple steps. Start by gathering your ingredients and preparing your baking dish.

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

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, sugars, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Reserve 1 ½ cups of the mixture for the topping. Press the rest into the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
4. In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool completely in the pan before slicing.
8. Whisk the powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.

How to Serve Apple Bars

Apple bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own but can be paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top if you like.

How to Store Apple Bars

To keep your apple bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Tips to Make Apple Bars

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more flavor.
• If you want a thicker crust, increase the quantity of the base ingredients slightly.
• You can add nuts or raisins to the apple mixture for added texture.

Variation

If you want to try a different flavor, you can easily customize this recipe by adding other fruits like pears or peaches instead of apples. For a nutty flavor, consider adding walnuts or pecans to the topping.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought crust instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust or shortbread crust to save time.

2. How do I know when the apple bars are done?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the middle.

3. Can I make these apple bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.

Apple Bars

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful apple bars with a buttery crumb topping, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the flour, oats, sugars, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Reserve 1 ½ cups of the mixture for the topping. Press the rest into the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
4. Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in another bowl.
5. Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool completely in the pan before slicing.
8. Whisk the powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.

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Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra flavor.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg