Craving a cozy fall treat? Apple Crisp Bars combine sweet apples and a buttery oat topping in a portable, sliceable dessert. These Fall Dessert Bars bake in about an hour, perfect for potlucks, snacks, or breakfast. Enjoy these apple crumble squares for a warm, seasonal delight!
Why You’ll Love Apple Crisp Bars
- Make-Ahead: Apple Crisp Bars stay fresh for days, ideal for a Fall Dessert Bars stash.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples make these apple crumble squares easy to whip up.
- Fall Flavors: Cinnamon and apples create a cozy Fall Dessert Bars vibe.
- Portable: Pre-cut apple crumble squares are great for sharing or lunchboxes.
- No-Fuss Prep: Basic tools make these autumn crisp treats a breeze.
Ingredients for Apple Crisp Bars
Here’s what you’ll need for these autumn crisp treats (makes ~16 bars):
Shortbread Base:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups (147g) all-purpose flour
Apple Filling:
- 4 cups (about 4–5 medium, 450g) apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (94g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (45g) rolled oats
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 6 tbsp (85g) cold unsalted butter, diced
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or forks
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Tips
- Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for Apple Crisp Bars; slice thinly.
- Flour: All-purpose flour keeps these Fall Dessert Bars light; gluten-free works.
- Butter: Cold butter ensures a crisp apple crumble squares topping.
- Oats: Rolled oats add texture to autumn crisp treats; quick oats are finer.
- Sugar: Brown sugar adds warmth; white sugar is a substitute.
Directions for Apple Crisp Bars
Let’s bake these cozy Apple Crisp Bars!
Preheat and Prep Pan
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for handles, and spray with cooking spray for easy removal of these apple crumble squares.
Make Shortbread Base
I beat ½ cup softened butter and ¼ cup brown sugar until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. I add ½ tsp vanilla extract and 1 ¼ cups flour, mixing until crumbly, then press evenly into the pan for a solid Fall Dessert Bars base.
Pre-Bake Base
I bake the base for 12–14 minutes until slightly puffed, keeping the oven at 350°F, setting a sturdy foundation for these autumn crisp treats.
Prepare Apple Filling
I peel, core, and slice 4 cups apples into ¼-inch pieces. In a bowl, I toss them with 2 tbsp flour and ¼ cup granulated sugar, then spread evenly over the baked base for these Apple Crisp Bars.
Make Crumble Topping
In a bowl, I mix ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup flour, ½ cup oats, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ½ tsp salt. I cut in 6 tbsp cold butter until pea-sized crumbs form, then sprinkle over the apples for crisp apple crumble squares.
Bake and Cool
I bake for 45 minutes until the topping is golden and apples are bubbly. I cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment handles and cut into 16 bars for perfect Apple Crisp Bars.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20–30 minutes
- Cook Time: 57–59 minutes
- Total Time: 77–89 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Calories: ~110–125 kcal per bar
- Macros per Bar: 14–15g carbs, 1–2g protein, 6–7g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Apple Crisp Bars
Try these twists on these autumn crisp treats:
- Fruit Swap: Use pears for a new Fall Dessert Bars flavor.
- Flour Swap: Try gluten-free flour for these apple crumble squares.
- Butter Swap: Use coconut oil for dairy-free Apple Crisp Bars.
- Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans to the topping for crunchy autumn crisp treats.
- Spice Twist: Use nutmeg with cinnamon for spiced apple crumble squares.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ apple cider for a fall vibe.
- Serve with Layla Cooks’ fruit salad recipes for balance.
- Enjoy with Layla Cooks’ chai latte for cozy warmth.
Storage
I store these apple crumble squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, with wax paper between layers. For freezing, I wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge. I reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds for a warm Fall Dessert Bars treat.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Apple Crisp Bars sliced on a platter for sharing.
- Garnish: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle for these autumn crisp treats’ appeal.
- Pairing: Enjoy with tea or Layla Cooks’ cider recipes to complement this Fall Dessert Bars treat.
- Portion Size: 1 bar (1/16 of pan) per person for a satisfying dessert.
- Occasions: Ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or cozy fall mornings.
FAQs About Apple Crisp Bars
Here are answers to common questions about Apple Crisp Bars:
What apples are best?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work for this Fall Dessert Bars treat; slice thinly.
How do I avoid mushy apples?
Use ¼-inch slices for tender apple crumble squares.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut oil for dairy-free Apple Crisp Bars.
Why is my topping soggy?
Use cold butter and don’t overmix for crisp autumn crisp treats.
How long do they last?
Store for 2 days at room temperature or 3 months frozen.
More Dessert Ideas You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
Apple Crisp Bars are a cozy, portable treat packed with sweet apples and a buttery crumble. These Fall Dessert Bars are perfect for any autumn occasion, from breakfast to dessert. Bake these apple crumble squares for a warm, seasonal delight!
Apple Crisp Bars
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup 50g packed light brown sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups 147g all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups about 4–5 medium, 450g apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp 16g all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup 100g packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar
- ¾ cup 94g all-purpose flour
- ½ cup 45g rolled oats
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 6 tbsp 85g cold unsalted butter, diced
Instructions
Preheat and Prep Pan
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for handles, and spray with cooking spray for easy removal of these apple crumble squares.
Make Shortbread Base
- I beat ½ cup softened butter and ¼ cup brown sugar until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. I add ½ tsp vanilla extract and 1 ¼ cups flour, mixing until crumbly, then press evenly into the pan for a solid Fall Dessert Bars base.
Pre-Bake Base
- I bake the base for 12–14 minutes until slightly puffed, keeping the oven at 350°F, setting a sturdy foundation for these autumn crisp treats.
Prepare Apple Filling
- I peel, core, and slice 4 cups apples into ¼-inch pieces. In a bowl, I toss them with 2 tbsp flour and ¼ cup granulated sugar, then spread evenly over the baked base for these Apple Crisp Bars.
Make Crumble Topping
- In a bowl, I mix ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup flour, ½ cup oats, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ½ tsp salt. I cut in 6 tbsp cold butter until pea-sized crumbs form, then sprinkle over the apples for crisp apple crumble squares.
Bake and Cool
- I bake for 45 minutes until the topping is golden and apples are bubbly. I cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment handles and cut into 16 bars for perfect Apple Crisp Bars.
Notes
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