Name: Apple Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crust and topping); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes; 4 cups peeled, chopped fresh apples; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apple filling); 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk

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Introduction

These apple bars offer a delightful mix of soft, crumbly texture and sweet, warm apple filling. Perfect for cozy moments, they bring that nostalgic autumn flavor to your home bake with ease. Whether for dessert, breakfast, or a snack, these bars never disappoint.

The image shows a stack of six crunchy granola bars placed closely together on a white marbled surface. Each bar is rectangular with a rough texture filled with visible oats, nuts, and small bits of dried fruit. The top layer has a light, glossy drizzle of white icing that adds a soft contrast to the golden brown color of the bars. The bars look thick and chewy, with nuts embedded in the middle layers, giving a mix of beige and light brown tones. The overall look is natural and homemade, showing the sweet and nutty texture clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crust and topping)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
4 cups peeled, chopped fresh apples
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apple filling)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and the cinnamon for the crust and topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1½ cups for the topping.
Step 3: Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Meanwhile, toss the chopped apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, the cinnamon for the filling, and nutmeg. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to combine flavors and coat the apples.
Step 5: Remove the baked crust from the oven. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the warm crust and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top. Bake again for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden and apples are bubbly.
Step 6: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment. Drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if desired, or enjoy plain.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji for balanced flavor and texture.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
Let the bars cool fully before slicing to achieve clean, neat edges.
The glaze is optional—skip it if you prefer a less sweet bar.
Peeling the apples is optional; leaving the peel on adds texture but can change the softness.

Storage

Store apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or warm gently in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a stack of four cereal bars placed unevenly on top of each other. Each bar has a clear view of a base layer made from oats and nuts, light brown and grainy with small pieces visible. On top of this base, there is a thin drizzle of white glaze, shiny and smooth, lightly covering parts of the bars with some glaze dripping down the sides. The edges of the bars appear a bit crispy and crumbly, highlighting the texture contrast. The background is a white marbled texture that adds a clean and soft look to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these apple bars?

Yes, cut the bars into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or warm slightly in the microwave before enjoying.

What kind of apples are best for apple bars?

A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Fuji, works best to create a balanced flavor and good texture.