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Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

These Easy Apple Crisp Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a tender apple filling and a crumbly cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfectly spiced and sweetened, they make a delightful dessert or snack that’s both approachable and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Crust

  • 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

Apple Filling

  • 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

Crisp Topping

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 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) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350º F. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring extra parchment hangs over the edges for easy removal. Spray the lined pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Shortbread Crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Gradually add the 1 1/4 cups of flour and combine until the dough becomes crumbly.
  3. Bake Shortbread Crust: Press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the crust is slightly puffed. Remove from the oven and set aside, keeping the oven temperature at 350º F.
  4. Prepare Apple Filling: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss the apples with 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the slices are thoroughly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
  5. Make Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter cubes using a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture becomes crumbly and pea-sized bits remain. Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apple layer.
  6. Bake Apple Crisp Bars: Bake uncovered at 350º F for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple mixture is bubbly. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the excess parchment paper to lift out the bars and cut into squares for serving.

Notes

  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples (such as Granny Smith and Fuji) for balanced flavor.
  • Let the bars cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts to the crisp topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp bars, apple dessert, easy apple bars, fall dessert, baking bars

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/easy-apple-crisp-bars-recipe/