Apple Bars

🖋️ Written by Emma

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the tart sweetness of apples. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a family gathering or just want a sweet snack. Plus, they are a great way to use up apples when they are in season!

How to Make Apple Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, sugars, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
4. In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you like.
5. Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
6. Bake for an additional 30–35 minutes until the bars are golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them.
8. To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with milk. Drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.

How to Serve Apple Bars

Apple Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They make a nice dessert on their own, or you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

How to Store Apple Bars

To store Apple Bars, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Apple Bars

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a richer flavor.
• Ensure the butter is cold when mixing; this helps create a nice crumbly texture.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or add other spices like ginger for a different taste.

Variation

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also be added to the apple filling for added flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! You can use pears or peaches, but make sure to adjust the spices to match the fruit.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but check that your oats are certified gluten-free.

How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

The bars should be bubbly and golden brown on top. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the bars are done.

Apple Bars

Apple Bars are a delightful treat combining cinnamon and nutmeg with tart apples, making them perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed Ensure butter is cold for crumbly texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) Add for extra flavor.

Apple Filling

• 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped Use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Prevents browning of apples.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired glaze consistency.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, sugars, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.

Apple Filling

1. In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg if using.
2. Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.

Baking

1. Bake for an additional 30–35 minutes until the bars are golden brown and bubbly.
2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them.

Glazing

1. To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with milk. Drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat. They can be stored for up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator.