Apple Bars Recipe
Introduction
Apple bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a warm, spiced apple filling. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with friends and family. The crisp topping and tender apples create a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1½ cups of this crumb mixture for the topping.
- Step 3: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, toss the chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 5: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top.
- Step 6: Bake again for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly around the edges.
- Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Mix the powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk to make a glaze, then drizzle it 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.
- Adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger can enhance the spice profile.
- For a nutty touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apple layer before adding the crumb topping.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add less milk; for a thinner glaze, add more.
Storage
Store apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They can be reheated briefly in the microwave or enjoyed cold. The glaze may soften over time but will still add sweetness and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
Fresh apples are best for texture, but frozen, thawed, and drained apples can be used in a pinch. They may release more liquid, so adjust the cornstarch slightly to prevent sogginess.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
PrintApple Bars Recipe
Delicious homemade apple bars featuring a buttery oat and flour crust topped with a spiced apple filling and a crumbly topping, finished with a light powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for a cozy dessert or snack, these bars combine tender apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the crust and topping mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1½ cups of this mixture for the topping, and press the remainder evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust: Bake the pressed crust in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until it is lightly golden. This pre-baking helps the crust hold its shape and adds a slight crunch.
- Prepare the apple filling: While the crust bakes, toss the peeled and chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to start thickening the filling.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the prebaked crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples.
- Bake again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before carefully lifting them out using the parchment paper. Drizzle the glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bars, or serve them plain.
Notes
- For best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the topping.
- Ensure the butter is very cold when cutting into the flour mixture to create a crumbly texture.
- Letting the bars cool completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting and ensures a better finish.
- You can substitute nutmeg with ground ginger or cloves for a different warm spice profile.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: apple bars, spiced apple dessert, oatmeal bars, cinnamon apple bars, homemade dessert, fall recipes
