Apple Crisp Bars: Best Buttery Fall Treat to Discover
Introduction
Fall is in the air, and what better way to welcome the season than with a delectable treat that combines the best of apple crisp and classic dessert bars? Apple Crisp Bars are the perfect fusion of these two beloved desserts, offering a buttery base, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly oat topping that will have you reaching for seconds. As a chef who’s traversed the globe, I can confidently say that this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or contributing to a bake sale.
Why is it Perfect for You?
These Apple Crisp Bars are the epitome of fall comfort food. They’re easier to serve and eat than traditional apple crisp, making them ideal for gatherings or as a quick snack. The combination of textures – from the crisp oat crumble to the soft, spiced apples – creates a sensory experience that’s hard to resist. Plus, the aroma of baking apples and cinnamon will fill your home with the essence of autumn.
Ingredients List
◾ 2 cups all-purpose flour
◾ 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
◾ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
◾ 1/4 cup brown sugar
◾ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
◾ 1/4 teaspoon salt
◾ 4 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
◾ 1 cup old-fashioned oats
◾ 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
◾ 1/4 cup maple syrup
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of cold cubed butter, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Create the Apple Filling
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the prepared base.
Step 3: Make the Oat Crumble
For the topping, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, 1 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of cold cubed butter, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Add chopped pecans if desired. Work this mixture with your fingers until it forms small clumps.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the oat crumble over the apple layer. Drizzle maple syrup over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.
Nutritional Information
Each Apple Crisp Bar contains approximately:
◾ 300 calories
◾ 15g fat
◾ 40g carbohydrates
◾ 3g protein
◾ 2g fiber
Calories per Person
Each serving of these delectable Apple Crisp Bars contains approximately 300 calories.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe healthier, consider these substitutions:
◾ Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour
◾ Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce
◾ Reduce the sugar and rely more on the natural sweetness of the apples
◾ Add chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the oat crumble for extra nutrients
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Crisp Bars are versatile and can be served in various ways:
◾ Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
◾ At room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream
◾ Paired with a sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory combination
◾ Crumbled over yogurt for a decadent breakfast
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Apple Crisp Bars, avoid these common pitfalls:
◾ Overbaking, which can lead to a dry base
◾ Using apples that are too soft, resulting in a mushy filling
◾ Not letting the bars cool completely before cutting, which can make them fall apart
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your Apple Crisp Bars fresh:
◾ Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days
◾ Refrigerate for up to 5 days
◾ Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months, thawing before serving
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fruit?
While apples are traditional, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or a mix of berries. Just be mindful of the moisture content and adjust accordingly.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well as they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet crumble.
Conclusion
Apple Crisp Bars are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their buttery base, spiced apple filling, and crunchy oat topping, they offer a delightful texture and taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and guaranteed to impress. So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of autumn!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
