Apple Crisp Bars – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe

🍏 A Historical Bite of Apple Crisp

Apple crisp first appeared in American cookbooks in the early 20th century and quickly became a fall staple. Traditionally baked in a casserole dish with oats and brown sugar, it was an economical yet comforting dessert during the Great Depression. Over time, bakers began adapting the recipe into hand-held forms like bars, making it easier to serve at potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings. Apple crisp bars preserve all the cozy flavors of the classic dish—cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery crumble, and golden crust—in a portable, easy-to-slice version.

Apple Crisp Bars – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe

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• Author: Jenny Cooks
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These apple crisp bars are buttery, crumbly, and filled with a sweet cinnamon-apple center. Perfect for fall baking, Thanksgiving desserts, or cozy weekend treats, they combine the comfort of apple crisp with the convenience of a handheld bar. With layers of flaky crust, gooey apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping, these bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or bake sales.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 5 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ cup brown sugar (for filling)

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

• In a bowl, mix flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Stir in egg.

• Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan for the crust.

• In another bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Spread evenly over crust.

• Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top of apples.

• Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

 

• Cool completely before slicing into bars.

  

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Notes

Granny Smith apples work best for a tart contrast.

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for crunch.

For an extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel after baking.

❓ FAQ Section (Extended for Engagement)

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld. Bake, cool, and store covered at room temperature overnight.

2. What apples are best for apple crisp bars?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best, but mixing varieties adds depth of flavor.

3. Can I make them gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend, and the recipe will turn out just as delicious.