Apple Bars Recipe
These Apple Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that combine the sweetness of apples with a buttery, soft bar base and a crumble topping. Perfect for fall or anytime you want a cozy, comforting treat. They’re great for gatherings, potlucks, or just as a sweet snack with your afternoon coffee.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 3-4 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
- 1/4 cup water
For the Bar Base and Crumble Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
- Add the water and stir everything together.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften and the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes). The apples should still have some texture but be tender. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Bar Base and Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs (you can also use a food processor for this step).
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Add the egg mixture to the flour-butter mixture and stir until a dough begins to form. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the dough for the crumble topping, and press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base of the bars.
3. Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the dough base in the baking pan.
- Crumble the reserved dough on top of the apple filling to create a streusel-like topping.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The bars should be firm to the touch.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
5. Serve:
- Once cooled, cut the bars into squares. Serve as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well! After they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or heat them in the microwave for a warm treat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Topped with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: These apple bars are perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet, rich finish.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For extra flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the bars before baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe comes together quickly and easily.
- Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of soft, spiced apples and buttery, crumbly dough is irresistible.
- Versatile: These bars can be served as a dessert, a snack, or even breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success:
- Choose the Right Apples: Use a variety of apples that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples will give you the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in the filling.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add raisins, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of oats into the topping for added texture.
- For Extra Crispiness: If you like a crunchier topping, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or oats to the reserved dough before crumbling it over the apples.
These Apple Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that brings the flavors of a classic apple pie into a more convenient, bar-style treat. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!
