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To make apple crisp bars, you need simple but key ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients come together to create a delightful treat. For the best flavor, use crisp apples. I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. This step helps them cook evenly. Remember to toss them with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds flavor and helps thicken the filling. Accurate measurements are key in baking. Too much or too little can change the texture and taste. - Flour: Too much flour can make the bars dry. - Sugar: Correct sugar levels ensure sweet, gooey filling. - Butter: The right amount keeps the crust moist and crumbly. Stick to the recipe for the best results. Enjoy your baking! To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the bars bake evenly. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. Make sure the paper covers the bottom and sides well. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir these well until mixed. Then, pour in 1 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan. Bake this crust for about 15 minutes, or until it gets a light golden color. While the crust bakes, prepare the apple filling. Take 4 medium apples and peel, core, and slice them thinly. In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well to coat the apples evenly. Once the crust is done, spread the apple mixture over it. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples. This will create a delicious, crisp topping. To get the best texture for your apple crisp bars, focus on your crust. You want it to be crumbly and firm. Mix the dry ingredients well before adding the melted butter. This helps everything blend nicely. Press the crust into the pan firmly, but don't squish it too much. This keeps it light and flaky. One common mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Too much flour can make the bars dry. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Another mistake is not letting the bars cool completely before cutting. If you rush this, they might fall apart. Lastly, don't skip the parchment paper. It makes removing the bars much easier. To boost the flavor, try using different apples. Granny Smith apples give a tart kick, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg along with cinnamon. This gives a warm depth to your bars. Don't hesitate to add a splash of vanilla extract in the apple mix for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the apples in this recipe. Try pears for a sweet twist. They add a nice texture and flavor. You can also use peaches or plums. These fruits mix well with the spices. If you like berries, raspberries or blueberries work too. Just keep the fruit's moisture in mind. You may need to adjust the sugar based on sweetness. Want to make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Many brands offer blends that work well. Check the label to ensure it has a good texture. You can also use gluten-free oats. Make sure they say gluten-free on the package. This way, you can enjoy these bars without worry. Adding nuts can enhance the flavor and crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans are great choices. Stir in about half a cup into the mixture. For a sweet touch, try dried fruits. Raisins or dried cranberries work well. You can mix them in with the apple filling. They add chewiness and extra flavor to your bars. To keep your apple crisp bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to prevent them from drying out. You can leave them at room temperature for a couple of days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is a good option. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap for extra protection. If you want to freeze your apple crisp bars, let them cool completely first. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. When stored at room temperature, apple crisp bars last for about 2-3 days. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for about a week. If frozen, they can be good for up to three months. Just remember, the sooner you eat them, the better they will taste! Yes, you can use different sugars. Brown sugar adds a rich flavor. You can swap half for white sugar if you like. Coconut sugar works too. It gives a nice caramel taste. Just remember, each sugar changes the taste slightly. The bars are done when the top is golden brown. The apples should be soft but not mushy. You can check by poking a fork in the apples. If it goes in easily, they are ready. Watch for bubbling around the edges too. Yes, you can make these bars vegan. Use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute. Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness. These swaps keep the taste yummy and plant-based. To sum up, we explored how to make apple crisp bars with fresh apples. I explained the key ingredients and the need for exact measurements. We walked through each step, from prepping the pan to baking your bars. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and ideas for variations and storage. Remember, these bars are versatile and easy to enjoy. Whether you use different fruits or add nuts, each bite can be a new delight. Now you’re ready to impress with your homemade apple crisp bars!

Apple Crisp Bars

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these mouthwatering Apple Crisp Bars! This delicious recipe features a buttery oat crust, perfectly spiced apples, and a crunchy topping that brings comfort in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat at home, make these easy Apple Crisp Bars that everyone will love. Click through for step-by-step instructions and impress your family and friends with this delightful dessert!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well combined.

      Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

        Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

          In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until the apples are well coated.

            Remove the crust from the oven and evenly distribute the apple mixture over the crust.

              Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples, ensuring an even layer to create a crisp topping.

                Bake in the oven for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

                  Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang and cutting into squares.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12