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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 cups) - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the base of the apple crisp bars, rolled oats give a hearty texture. All-purpose flour binds everything together. Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness, while granulated sugar balances the flavors. Ground cinnamon brings warmth and depth. The salt enhances all the sweet notes. Using four large apples makes these bars fruity and flavorful. The lemon juice brightens the apples, and the cornstarch thickens the filling. Finally, vanilla extract rounds out the taste. - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans You can add nuts for a delightful crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well. They give a nice texture and flavor boost. - Spices and flavor enhancers Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger. These can add a unique twist to the classic recipe. - Alternatives for dietary restrictions If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. These ingredients make the apple crisp bars customizable. You can tailor them to your taste and dietary needs. 1. Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature works best for our apple crisp bars. 2. Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal. 1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until everything blends well. 2. Add melted butter: Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until the blend looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture; we will use it later for topping. 1. Toss apples with lemon juice and cornstarch: In another bowl, take 4 large peeled and diced apples. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over them. Toss well to coat the apples evenly. 2. Layering the mixture and filling: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the apples and, if you like, include 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Mix again. 1. Pressing the base layer: Spread the remaining oat mixture across the bottom of your baking pan. Press this down firmly to form a solid base layer. 2. Crumbling the topping: Pour the apple mixture over the pressed oat base, spreading it out evenly. Next, take the reserved oat mixture and crumble it on top of the apples. 3. Baking time and temperature: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the apples should be tender. Now you are ready to enjoy your apple crisp bars! Choosing the right apples For the best flavor, I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith. They hold up well during baking. You can also mix in some sweet apples like Honeycrisp for depth. Fresh apples taste best, so choose firm and juicy ones. Ensuring the right texture To get the right texture, slice the apples thinly. This helps them cook evenly and blend well with the oats. Tossing the apples with lemon juice and cornstarch is key. The lemon keeps them bright, while the cornstarch thickens the juices as they bake. Best accompaniments These bars shine with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Vanilla pairs nicely, but caramel sauce adds a fun twist. You can also serve them warm for that fresh-baked feel. Presentation tips Cut the bars into neat squares for a clean look. Dust a little powdered sugar on top for a pop of color. Serve them on a pretty plate to impress your guests. Gluten-free options You can swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Keep the same amount for the best results. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious bars. Vegan alternatives To make these bars vegan, use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. This keeps the bars moist and tasty while being vegan-friendly. {{image_2}} After baking your apple crisp bars, let them cool in the pan. This cooling helps the bars set and makes cutting easier. I recommend waiting at least one hour. Once cool, slice the bars into squares. For storing, place the bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. If you stack them, put parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for about a week. Freezing is a great way to save some bars for later. To freeze them, first cool the bars completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. This helps block out air and keeps the bars tasty. Next, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date so you can keep track. These bars can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, take out the bars. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can also reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. Enjoy your apple crisp bars anytime! You can easily change the taste of your apple crisp bars. Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger gives a warm kick. Just a pinch of these spices can make a big difference. You can also mix in other fruits, like berries or pears, for a fun twist. These fruits add sweetness and color. If you need gluten-free options, simply swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Many brands work well in baking. You can also use vegan butter instead of regular butter. This change makes the bars suitable for those on a plant-based diet. The topping can change the whole feel of your bars. A streusel topping is crumbly and sweet, while a crumb topping is thicker. You may also want to add nuts like walnuts or pecans. Nuts add crunch and flavor, making each bite more exciting. Can I use other fruits besides apples? Yes, you can use other fruits. Pears, peaches, or berries work well. Adjust the lemon juice to balance the flavors. Each fruit gives a unique taste to the bars. How do I make these bars gluten-free? To make these bars gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy them. What’s the best way to cut these bars? Cut the bars after they cool completely. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. You can also use a ruler to guide your cuts if you want perfect squares. How long do the bars last fresh? These bars stay fresh for about five days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar? Yes, brown sugar can replace granulated sugar. It adds a rich, caramel flavor. You can use it in equal amounts, keeping the sweetness balanced. What can I use instead of butter? You can use coconut oil or vegan butter. Both options work well and keep the bars moist. Just make sure to melt them before mixing. Apple crisp bars are a delight made with simple ingredients, like oats, flour, and apples. You can customize them with nuts or spices and modify the recipe for special diets. Following easy steps leads to a tasty treat everyone will enjoy. Remember to store them properly and try fun variations. Explore different flavors and toppings to keep it fresh. With these tips, you’ll impress friends and family with your baking skills. Enjoy every bite of your homemade apple crisp bars!

Apple Crisp Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars that bring a taste of fall to your kitchen! Made with wholesome rolled oats, sweet apples, and aromatic cinnamon, these easy-to-make bars are perfect for any occasion. With a buttery oat topping and a delightful crunch, they're sure to impress friends and family. Click through for the full recipe and treat yourself to this delightful dessert!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 cups)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.

      Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for topping later.

        In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and optional nuts. Ensure the apples are well coated.

          Spread the remaining oat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly to create a base layer.

            Pour the apple mixture over the pressed oat base, spreading it evenly.

              Crumble the reserved oat mixture on top of the apples, spreading it evenly to cover.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

                  Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 bars