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Apple Crisp Bars

Two apple crisp bars with a crumbly topping are displayed on a white plate, showcasing their layers and textures.

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Enjoy these handheld apple crisp bars with a buttery shortbread base and a delicious oat crumble topping. Perfect for fall or any occasion.

Ingredients

  • For the Shortbread Base: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Apple Filling: 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • For the Oat Crumble Topping: 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the shortbread base: In a medium bowl, combine flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  3. Bake the shortbread base for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. While the base bakes, prepare the apple filling: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. Once the shortbread base is done, remove it from the oven. Spread the apple filling evenly over the warm base.
  6. Prepare the oat crumble topping: In the same bowl used for the base (no need to wash), combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the apple layer.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This is crucial for clean slicing.
  10. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.

Notes

  • For best results, use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.
  • Cooling completely is key for clean cuts. You can speed this up by placing the pan in the refrigerator for an hour after it has cooled to room temperature.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • These bars are great for meal planning and can be made ahead for bake sales or gatherings.

Nutrition

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