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Apple Crisp Bars With Crumb Topping Recipe

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Discover how to make the best apple crisp bars with crumb topping! Perfect for dessert lovers, easy to make, and packed with flavor.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

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.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert