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Easy Apple Crisp Bars

Easy Apple Crisp Bars

These Easy Apple Crisp Bars bring the flavors of classic apple pie into convenient, handheld bars. With a buttery shortbread crust, sweet apple filling, and a crumbly cinnamon topping, this recipe is a perfect fall treat that’s both simple to make and delicious to enjoy.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shortbread Crust

  • 1/2 cup (113 g) 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

For the 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

For the Crisp Topping

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

 

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough is crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the crust is slightly puffed. Once baked, set it aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with flour and granulated sugar until they are well-coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
  4. Prepare the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture is crumbly. Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apple layer.
  5. Bake and Cool: Place the pan back into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Let the bars cool completely before removing them from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares, and they’re ready to serve!

Notes

  • Choose the Right Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works best for balanced flavor.
  • Chill the Butter: For the topping, make sure the butter is very cold. This helps create that irresistible, crumbly texture.
  • Double the Recipe for Bigger Crowds: If you’re baking for a party or gathering, double the recipe and use a larger pan.
  • Serve with Ice Cream: These bars taste divine on their own but pair them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an added treat.
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Apple dessert bars, Fall dessert recipes, Easy apple bars