Are you craving a comforting, homemade treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! These apple bars, baked in a convenient 9x13 pan, are the perfect answer. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy baking times; this recipe delivers a burst of warm apple flavor in a simple, satisfying package. Perfect for a quick dessert, a school bake sale, or even a delightful addition to your family dinner, these apple bars are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Preparing the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Assembling and Baking the Apple Bars:
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Tips for the Best Apple Bars:
- Use a mix of apples: Combining different apple varieties adds depth of flavor and texture.
- Don't overmix the crust: Overmixing will make the crust tough.
- Thinly slice the apples: Thinly sliced apples bake evenly and prevent a soggy bottom.
- Let them cool completely: This allows the bars to set properly and makes cutting them much easier.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the crumble topping.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for extra warmth.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour.
- Use different sweeteners: Maple syrup or honey could be substituted for some or all of the sugar.
Nutritional Information (per bar – approximate, will vary based on ingredients and portion size):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: Around 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 35-40g
- Protein: Around 3-4g
These are just estimates; the exact nutritional content will depend on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious and easy apple bars! They're a perfect example of quick dinner ideas or a healthy meal addition. This simple recipe proves that homemade cooking can be both delicious and easy. These are truly among the best recipes you'll find for a simple, satisfying treat.