Description
These Apple Bars are buttery, spiced, and packed with tender apple slices layered over a soft crust and topped with a golden crumble. They’re an easy, cozy dessert perfect for fall or anytime you’re craving something warm and sweet.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups – Forms the base and crumble for the bars.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup – Sweetens the crust.
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup – Adds depth and moisture to the crust and crumble.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened) – Creates a rich, crumbly texture.
- Egg: 1 large – Helps bind the crust together.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds warmth and flavor.
- Apples: 2 large (≈ 2–3 cups, peeled and sliced) – Use tart or firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – Classic apple spice.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon – Adds subtle spice depth.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon – Brightens flavor and prevents browning.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon – Thickens the apple filling.
- Optional add-ins: chopped walnuts, raisins, or dried cranberries – For added texture and flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Combine Ingredients: Cream butter, sugars, and salt. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour until a dough forms. Reserve 1½ cups of this dough for topping.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Press the remaining dough into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Assemble the Dish: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar (optional), and cornstarch. Spread over the baked crust.
- Cook to Perfection: Sprinkle reserved dough over apples as a crumble. Bake 30–35 minutes until top is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Finishing Touches: Cool completely on a rack in the pan. Cut into bars when set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve as-is or with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of caramel.
Notes
- Let bars cool completely for cleaner cuts and better texture.
- Use tart apples for the best balance of sweet and tangy flavor.
- Add oats to crumble for extra texture and a rustic look.
- Bars freeze well; just thaw and reheat before serving.