Apple Bars Recipe
Introduction
These apple bars are a perfect balance of tender apples and crumbly oat crust, making them an irresistible treat for any season. With warm cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg, they bring cozy flavors to your kitchen. Easy to make and delicious to share, they’re ideal for dessert or a sweet snack.
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 the first portion of cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1½ cups of this 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, the second portion of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
- Step 5: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture 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 before lifting them out of the pan. To make the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk and drizzle over the cooled bars, or enjoy plain.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a more tangy filling, or a sweeter variety like Fuji if you prefer mild sweetness.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add less milk; for a thinner drizzle, add more milk gradually.
- To intensify flavor, sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves or ginger in the apple filling.
Storage
Store the apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Rewarm gently in the microwave or oven before serving if desired. These bars also freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the frozen apples well to avoid excess moisture that could make 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 confirm your oats are certified gluten-free.
PrintApple Bars Recipe
Deliciously soft and chewy apple bars featuring a buttery oat crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling. Topped with a golden crumb topping and a light powdered sugar glaze, these bars perfectly blend warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and tart apples for a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Baking
- 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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Make Crust and Topping Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1½ cups of this mixture for the topping.
- Bake the Crust: Press the remaining crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden to create a sturdy base.
- Prepare Apple Filling: While the crust bakes, toss the chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to absorb flavors and thicken slightly.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. Then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges, indicating the fruit is cooked through.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Whisk the powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving or enjoy them plain.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Chilling the butter beforehand helps achieve a crumbly texture in the crust and topping.
- If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- For thicker bars, you can reduce the lemon juice slightly.
- Glaze is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: apple bars, apple dessert, crumb bars, baked apple recipe, cinnamon apple bars, fall dessert, easy apple bars
