Description
Delicious apple bars with a buttery oat crust and spiced apple filling, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the flour, oats, both sugars, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for topping later.
- Press the remaining mixture into the lined baking pan and bake for 10–12 minutes until it sets.
- Combine the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and remaining spices in another bowl.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
- Bake for another 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool the pan completely before slicing into bars.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth for the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
Notes
Using a mix of apple varieties enhances flavor complexity. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an added treat.