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Crispy Apple Crisp Bars

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These easy homemade apple crisp bars combine a buttery base, gooey apple filling, and a crispy oat topping for the ultimate fall dessert. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, they deliver nostalgic comfort and are endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or dairy-free margarine for vegan option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 4 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 12 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. While the base bakes, toss together 4 cups diced apples, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a medium bowl.
  4. In another bowl, stir together 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt, and optional nuts. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or fingers until pea-sized crumbs form.
  5. Spread apple filling evenly over the baked base. Sprinkle oat topping over apples, covering completely.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are bubbling around the edges.
  7. Let bars cool completely in the pan. For best results, chill in the fridge for 1 hour before cutting. Use parchment overhang to lift out, then slice into squares (about 16 bars).
  8. If topping seems too dry before baking, add 1-2 tablespoons cold water. If bars look too soft after cooling, chill longer. If apples are too juicy, add another tablespoon of flour to the filling.

Notes

For gluten-free bars, use gluten-free flour and oats. For vegan bars, use dairy-free butter. Chill bars before slicing for neat squares. Add nuts for extra crunch or omit for nut-free. Swap apples for peaches or pears for seasonal variation. For even crispier topping, bake an extra 5 minutes, watching closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp bars, fall dessert, apple bars, oat topping, easy apple dessert, potluck dessert, homemade apple bars, autumn baking

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/crispy-apple-crisp-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-fall-dessert/