Ingredients
Scale
To make these delightful apple crisp bars, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Here’s everything you need for the base, filling, and crumb topping:
For the Base:
- ¾ cup butter (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 4 large apples (peeled and sliced)
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A dash of salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
Instructions
Preparing the Base: Creating the Perfect Crust
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Combine the base ingredients: In a food processor, add the butter, flour, light brown sugar, and salt. Pulse the mixture until it forms small lumps. This ensures a buttery, crumbly texture for the base.
- Prepare the pan: Spread the base mixture evenly into a 13-inch baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press it down tightly, creating a firm base.
- Bake the base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Once baked, remove it from the oven and increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Crafting the Apple Filling: Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Prepare the apples: Peel and slice the apples thinly. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a slight tang.
- Mix the filling ingredients: Add the flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon to the apples. Mix well until all slices are thoroughly coated, ensuring a flavorful filling.
Mixing the Crumb Topping: The Secret to a Crunchy Texture
- Prepare the topping: In a deep bowl, combine the flour, oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a dash of salt.
- Mix until crumbly: Add the unsalted butter pieces and use a fork to mix until the mixture resembles small crumbs.
Notes
- Overmixing the Crumb Topping: Be careful not to overmix the topping ingredients. You want small crumbs, not a smooth dough, to maintain the desired crunchy texture.
- Using the Wrong Apples: Avoid using apples that become mushy when baked, such as Red Delicious. Stick to firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Letting the bars cool completely before cutting ensures clean slices and prevents them from falling apart.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert