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–+ servings
Apple Bars

Heavenly Apple Bars with a Buttery Cinnamon Crust

These Apple Bars feature a buttery, spiced crust and warm apple filling, making them a perfect fall dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour or whole wheat flour for a nuttier twist
  • 1 cup Rolled Oats or quick oats for softer texture
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar or coconut sugar for lower glycemic option
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar can be omitted for less sweetness
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt using sea salt can enhance flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon can substitute apple pie spice
  • 1 cup Butter or vegan butter for a dairy-free option
For the Filling
  • 4 cups Chopped Apples mix of Granny Smith and Fuji recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch or all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice or lime juice for a zesty alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or almond extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon Nutmeg optional for lighter flavor
Optional Topping
  • 1.5 cups Reserved Crumb Mixture
  • 0.5 cup Cinnamon Glaze to drizzle over cooled bars

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • mixing bowl
  • Pastry cutter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine flour, oats, sugars, salt, and half of the cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  3. Reserve 1.5 cups of the mixture and press the rest into the pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Mix apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, remaining cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let sit for flavors to meld.
  5. Spread apple mixture over the cooled crust and sprinkle reserved crumb mixture on top.
  6. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  7. Cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving; drizzle with cinnamon glaze if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

These apple bars are versatile and can be made with different apple varieties for a unique flavor. They can also be frozen for future treats.

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