Apple Bars
Apple Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of spices with the deliciousness of fresh apples, making them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups old-fashioned oats
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the filling
- 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze
- 0.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups of the mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Filling
- In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
Baking
- Bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the mixture is golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled bars before serving.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat. These bars can also be enjoyed as a breakfast treat.