Introduction: Apple Bars are a perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of autumn. With the sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars are an irresistible treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a dessert for a cozy fall gathering or a simple afternoon snack, Apple Bars are sure to please everyone. They’re easy to make and have the perfect balance of moist and crumbly, making them a great way to enjoy the season’s best fruit.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
For the apple filling:
3 large apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)
For the topping:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg until the dough comes together. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan to form a crust.
Prepare the apple filling: In a bowl, toss the chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
Assemble: Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the melted butter and stir until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the apple filling.
Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender. Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
Serve: Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Description:
These Apple Bars are the ideal autumn treat, with tender apples coated in a cinnamon-spiced sugar mixture, all nestled on top of a buttery, crumbly crust. The topping adds a nice crunch, balancing the soft and juicy apple filling. They’re simple to prepare, making them the perfect go-to dessert when you want to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether served at a family gathering, a fall picnic, or just for a sweet snack, these Apple Bars capture the essence of the season in every bite.
Tips:
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a more balanced flavor, or sweet apples like Fuji or Gala for a sweeter bar.
For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling.
If you prefer a thicker filling, you can omit the cornstarch, but it does help to thicken the juices from the apples as they bake.
You can store these bars in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for up to a month.
Variations:
Caramel Apple Bars: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars after baking for a richer flavor.
Gluten-Free Apple Bars: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan Apple Bars: Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 2 tablespoons water) in place of the regular egg.
Spiced Apple Bars: Add a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth and spice.
Correction:
If the crust appears too dry when mixing, you can add a little more butter or a tablespoon of water to help it come together. Likewise, if the apple filling seems too runny, increase the cornstarch slightly next time to help absorb excess moisture.
Enjoy:
Enjoy your Apple Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. They make the perfect dessert for any autumn occasion, offering comfort and warmth in every bite!