Apple Crisp Bars are one of those treats that feel like a warm hug; the kind of dessert that makes you want to gather around the table with friends and family. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, crumbly crust topped with sweet and tart apples, all finished with a crisp topping that gives every bite a delightful crunch. This recipe is not just a throw-together dessert; it’s about creating moments and memories. Whether you’re serving them warm with ice cream or enjoying them cold as a snack, Apple Crisp Bars bring a delightful charm to any occasion. They’re perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon. So, let’s get baking!
Why This Recipe Works
First off, the balance between sweet and tart apple flavors in these bars is what really makes this dessert shine. Using the right mix of apples creates a delicious contrast that dances on your palate. The crispy topping adds a wonderful texture that complements the soft, warm apples beneath.
Also, this recipe utilizes simple ingredients, most of which you probably have in your pantry. This makes it easy and accessible, turning a regular baking day into something special. The shortbread crust serves as a sturdy base for the topping, making sure everything holds together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Bars
You’ll love these Apple Crisp Bars because they are truly perfect for sharing. Bring them to gatherings and watch your friends rave about them. And if you’re not in the mood to share, that’s okay too! They make for a great snack when you just want something sweet.
Another fantastic aspect is how easy this recipe is to follow. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find the steps straightforward and enjoyable. Plus, these bars are incredibly versatile. Whether you like them warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, they can adapt to your preferences.
Ingredients
Before we hit the kitchen, let’s gather everything you’ll need:
- ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups (147 g) all-purpose flour (divided)
- 4 cups (500 g) apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 4-5 medium apples)
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for filling)
- ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar (for topping)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for topping)
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) chilled unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
Now that we have everything in place, let’s get our hands dirty!
Preparing the Shortbread Crust
Preheat and Prepare
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350º F. While that’s heating up, line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Allow a little extra paper to hang over the edges so you can easily lift out the bars later. Give it a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix the Crust Ingredients
Next, take a large mixing bowl and beat together the room temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once it’s nice and airy, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is combined. Gradually add in 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough resembles a crumbly texture.
Press and Bake
Now comes the fun part! Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. You want it to be compact. Bake it in the oven for about 12-14 minutes until it’s slightly puffed. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and set it aside, but keep that oven hot for later!
Preparing the Apple Filling
Slice the Apples
While that crust is cooling, let’s prep our apples. Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples thinly. In a large bowl, toss those apple slices with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Make sure the apples are well-coated; this helps bring out their natural sweetness.
Arrange the Apples
Once the apples are ready, evenly arrange them on top of the baked shortbread crust. Make sure they’re spread out nicely to ensure every bite has some apple goodness!
Making the Crisp Topping
Combine Topping Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the ½ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt. This is where the magic will happen!
Cut in the Butter
Next, cut in the chilled unsalted butter. You can use a pastry cutter or two knives to do this. You want to mix until the topping is crumbly. This part creates that lovely crispy texture on top.
Assemble the Bars
Now, spread that delicious crisp topping evenly over the arranged apples. Don’t be shy; you want a nice, generous layer!
Baking the Apple Crisp Bars
Bake Until Golden
Place the pan back in the oven and bake at 350º F for about 45 minutes. Watch as the topping turns golden brown and the apple mixture bubbles underneath. It’s a beautiful sight!
Cool and Cut
Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit. Use the extra parchment paper as handles to lift the apple crisp bars out of the pan. Then, cut them into squares or bars, whatever you fancy.
Serving Suggestions
Serving these bars can be a fun part of the experience. Enjoy them warm, and why not add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top? The contrast of the warm bars and cold ice cream is heavenly. Alternatively, pair them with a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent dessert option.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Apple Crisp Bars are a smashing success, consider these helpful tips:
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice flavor contrast. They balance perfectly with the sweetness.
- Make sure the butter for the topping is chilled. This is crucial for achieving that crumbly texture you want.
Variations
Feel adventurous? Here’s where you can get creative:
- Substitute pears for apples for an entirely new fruit experience.
- Add in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch that’s simply delightful!
FAQs
What types of apples are best for Apple Crisp Bars?
You really can’t go wrong with Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of them. These offer a great balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Can I prepare the Apple Crisp Bars in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare both the crust and filling a day ahead. Just bake them fresh right before serving.
How should I store Apple Crisp Bars?
These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Apple Crisp Bars?
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Just make sure to place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to thaw them before serving!
How do I reheat Apple Crisp Bars?
Reheat them in your oven at 350º F for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through.
Apple Crisp Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that make every bite special. Enjoy making these and feel free to put your own spin on them! With a little creativity, they could become a cherished recipe for you and your loved ones. Happy baking!
Print
Apple Crisp Bars
Apple Crisp Bars offer a delightful combination of sweet and tart apple flavors on a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a crispy layer. Great for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet treat any time.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups (147 g) all-purpose flour (divided)
- 4 cups (500 g) apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 4–5 medium apples)
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for filling)
- ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar (for topping)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for topping)
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) chilled unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F and prepare an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
- Beat butter and light brown sugar until fluffy, mix in vanilla and add flour.
- Press dough into the bottom of the pan and bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Prepare apples by slicing and tossing with flour and sugar.
- Arrange apple slices over the baked crust.
- Mix topping ingredients and cut in chilled butter until crumbly.
- Spread the topping over the apples and bake for 45 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool, lift bars from the pan, and cut into squares.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a great flavor balance.
Ensure the butter for the topping is chilled for a better texture.
These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30
