Easy Apple Crisp Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until mixture is crumbly.
3. Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. In another bowl, toss chopped apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
5. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples, gently pressing it down.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and apples are bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 12 bars
Tips:
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.