why make this recipe

Easy Apple Crisp Bars are a delightful twist on traditional apple crisp, combining the comfort of a classic dessert with the convenience of handheld bars. These treats are perfect for celebrations, cozy family gatherings, or as a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea. With layers of buttery shortbread, sweet apple filling, and a crunchy topping, they harmoniously blend textures and flavors. Plus, they’re simple to make, ensuring you can whip up a batch even on a busy day!

how to make Easy Apple Crisp Bars

Creating Easy Apple Crisp Bars is a straightforward process, broken down into three simple steps: preparing the shortbread crust, making the apple filling, and topping it all off with a crunchy crisp layer. Each component adds its own unique flavor and texture, resulting in a deliciously satisfying dessert.

Ingredients :

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
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
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)

Directions :

Shortbread Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add in 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Press the mixture evenly into a lined 9×9 inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Apple Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust once it has cooled slightly.
Crisp Topping: For the topping, combine 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the chilled butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple layer. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.

how to serve Easy Apple Crisp Bars

To serve Easy Apple Crisp Bars, allow them to cool in the baking dish. Once cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles and serve on a platter. These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top can elevate the dessert, providing a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced apples.

how to store

For optimal freshness, store any leftover Easy Apple Crisp Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven, ensuring they retain their delicious texture.

tips to make

Ensure your apples are balanced between tart and sweet varieties for the best flavor profile.
Use a pastry cutter or food processor to achieve a perfectly crumbly topping.
For added flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts or oatmeal to the crisp topping.
Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice to give your bars a unique twist.

variation

Feel free to customize your Easy Apple Crisp Bars by incorporating other fruits like pears or berries, or adding nuts for extra crunch. A drizzle of caramel sauce before baking can also add a delightful touch of sweetness. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using frozen apples, as they can release extra liquid during baking.

What type of apples are best for apple crisp bars?
A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji works best, providing a balanced flavor in your bars.

Can I prepare the bars in advance?
Yes! You can prep and assemble the bars up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator before baking them right before serving.