Description
Homemade apple crisp bars blend sweet cinnamon-spiced apples with buttery crumb layers, creating a delightful dessert that sings of autumn’s warmth. Crisp edges, gooey center, and rich flavors invite you to savor each delectable bite of this classic comfort treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup butter (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Apple Filling Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (peeled and sliced)
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crumb Topping Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 dash salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
Instructions
- Calibrate the oven to 300°F (150°C) to establish the initial baking environment for the base layer.
- Transform butter, flour, light brown sugar, and salt into a cohesive mixture using a food processor, pulsing until small, irregular clusters form, creating a textured foundation.
- Transfer the crumbly base into a 13-inch baking pan, meticulously distributing and compacting the mixture with a spatula to generate a uniform, dense layer.
- Introduce the pan to the preheated oven, allowing the base to bake for 15 minutes until lightly set and developing a golden hue.
- Carefully extract the pan, incrementally elevate the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), preparing for the subsequent baking phase.
- Arrange apple slices uniformly across the pre-baked base, ensuring complete and even coverage to maximize fruit distribution.
- Construct the crumb topping by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter, gently mixing until a coarse, granular texture emerges.
- Generously sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apple layer, creating a textured, rustic coating that will transform into a crisp, golden crust.
- Return the pan to the oven, baking for 35-40 minutes until the topping turns a rich golden brown and the apple filling bubbles provocatively.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely, which helps the layers set and intensifies the flavor profile.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better incorporation into the dry ingredients.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean cutting of the bars.
- Grate cold butter directly into the flour mixture to create a more even, flaky crumb base that holds together perfectly.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to maintain the same texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg