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Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

These Apple Crisp Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a tender spiced apple filling and a crumbly, golden crisp topping. Perfect as a dessert or snack, they offer all the comforting flavors of classic apple crisp in easy-to-handle bar form.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Crust

  • 1/2 cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups (147 g) all-purpose flour

Apple Filling

  • 4 cups (500 g) apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (about 4–5 medium apples)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Crisp Topping

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides for easy removal later. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Shortbread Crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and light brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and mix until the dough becomes crumbly.
  3. Bake Shortbread Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the dough is slightly puffed and set. Remove from the oven and set aside while maintaining oven temperature.
  4. Prepare Apple Filling: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
  5. Assemble Apple Layer: Evenly arrange the coated apple slices over the baked shortbread crust, spreading them in an even layer.
  6. Make Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, 3/4 cup flour, cinnamon, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut in the chilled butter cubes until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Top Apples with Crisp Topping: Spread the crumbly topping evenly over the apples.
  8. Bake the Bars: Place the assembled pan back into the oven and bake uncovered at 350º F for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Ensure butter for the topping is cold for the best crumbly texture.
  • Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to prevent sogginess.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven before serving for a warm treat.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp bars, apple dessert, baked apple bars, shortbread crust apple bars, easy apple dessert

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/apple-crisp-bars-recipe/