The scent of cinnamon and baked apples always takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen. She made the best apple crisp, piled high with buttery crumble topping. It was pure comfort food, perfect for a chilly autumn afternoon. I’ve spent years trying to capture that feeling – that warm, cozy deliciousness – in a portable, even more convenient form. And I think I’ve nailed it with these Delicious Apple Crisp Bars Recipe for Fall Treats! These bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling bursting with flavor, and a crunchy, oat-topped crumble. They’re easier to make than a traditional crisp, perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or just a delightful fall dessert.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Crisp Bars
Forget messy bowls and long baking times! These apple crisp bars are a game changer. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe all season long:
- Easy to Make: Seriously. The steps are straightforward and don’t require any fancy techniques.
- Portable Perfection: Unlike a scoop of warm apple crisp, these are individually portioned and easy to transport. Great for picnics, bake sales, or sending with the kids to school.
- All the Fall Flavors: We’re talking cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and juicy apples – the quintessential taste of autumn.
- Texture Heaven: You get the buttery crunch of the shortbread crust, the tender sweetness of the apple filling, and the irresistible crumble topping.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are virtually guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering.
The Ingredient List
Let’s gather our supplies! This recipe yields about 16 bars.
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are great), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup (57g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (50g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (57g) packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to bake? Here’s how to make these amazing apple crisp bars:
1. Make the Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork it!
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the lemon juice. Mix well to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
4. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the apple filling evenly over the partially baked shortbread crust.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You might need to cover the edges of the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is super important! They’ll be easier to cut and the filling will set.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success:
- Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter in both the crust and the crumble gives you the flaky, crumbly texture we’re after.
- Don’t Overbake: Apples can dry out easily. Watch the bars closely towards the end of the baking time.
- Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue here! Letting the bars cool completely makes them much easier to cut neatly.
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples hold their shape well during baking. Honeycrisp are sweeter and soften more. A mix is always a great option!
Variations:
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle the cooled bars with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pecan Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the crumble topping for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for the lemon juice in the apple filling.
- Ginger Spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to the apple filling for a warm, spicy twist.
- Streusel Upgrade: Instead of oats, use a classic streusel topping made with butter, flour and brown sugar for a more traditional crisp topping feel.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic, but always a winner!
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy.
- As Part of a Fall Brunch: Pair with coffee or tea.
- Pack Them for a Picnic: Perfect for enjoying outdoors.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per bar)
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.
These Delicious Apple Crisp Bars Recipe for Fall Treats are the perfect way to celebrate the season. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So, grab an apple, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking! You won’t regret it. Happy baking!
