Easy Apple Crisp Bars – A Delightful Autumn Treat

Easy Apple Crisp Bars combine the delicious flavors of autumn apples with a buttery shortbread crust and a crumbly crisp topping. These bars offer a wonderful balance of textures, from the crisp bottom to the soft apple filling, finished with a crunchy, cinnamon-sprinkled topping. Perfect for dessert, a snack, or even breakfast, these bars bring the essence of apple pie into a convenient bar form.

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The process involves layering a homemade shortbread crust with a cinnamon-spiced apple mixture, topped off with a golden crisp topping. This dessert is simple to make and incredibly rewarding, filled with flavors that evoke the coziness of fall.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Apple Crisp Bars

These apple crisp bars are straightforward to prepare and serve as a comforting, sweet treat. The combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and a crisp, buttery topping is irresistible. Whether you're serving them at a gathering or enjoying a piece as a mid-afternoon treat, they're sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Bars):

• Calories: 270 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg

These bars are a delightful indulgence, offering a good balance of fruit and sweetness.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Enjoy these apple crisp bars on their own or warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra special dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a holiday gathering, serve alongside other fall desserts like pumpkin pie or pecan tarts.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
To refresh, lightly warm in a microwave or oven before serving if desired.

Fun Fact: Apples in Baking

Apples are one of the most versatile fruits in baking, used in everything from pies and crisps to cakes and muffins. Different apple varieties can change the flavor profile and texture of baked goods, making them a favorite ingredient to experiment with in fall desserts.

Cooking Tips

Use Firm Apples: Choose apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for baking as they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Even Layers: Ensure to press the shortbread dough evenly in the pan to avoid uneven cooking and to provide a sturdy base for the filling.
Cold Butter: For the crisp topping, use cold butter to help achieve a crumbly texture that browns nicely in the oven.

Optional Variations

Add Nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crisp topping for added texture and flavor.
Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture for deeper spice notes.
Drizzle with Caramel: After baking, drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a decadent finish.

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Easy Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 4-5 medium apples)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Crisp Topping:

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
2. • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
   • In a large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla. Gradually add flour, mixing until crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
   • Bake for 12-14 minutes until slightly puffed. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. Make the Apple Filling:
4. • Toss the sliced apples with flour and sugar until well coated. Arrange evenly over the baked crust.
5. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
6. • In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture is crumbly.
   • Evenly spread the topping over the apples.
7. Bake:
8. • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
   • Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift out the bars before cutting into squares.

These Easy Apple Crisp Bars are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of an apple crisp in a portable, easy-to-serve format, making them a fantastic addition to your fall baking lineup!