Easy Apple Bars

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These apple crumb bars, also known as apple crisp bars, are a fall staple! Easy to make from scratch dessert that uses minimal ingredients and gives you a dessert that is perfect for sharing!

This post was originally published May 21, 2013. It has since been updated to include fresh photos and helpful tips.

Recipe Features:

• Quick and Easy- Getting this into the oven is a snap and your home will smell incredible as this bakes!
• Must-Make Fall Treat- Apples are the hidden gem of fall and perfect to use in this shareable dessert.
• Easy to Customize- Adjust the spices or add some caramel for a quick and easy variation!

You really cannot go wrong with sliced apples and a crumble topping. As these apple crumble squares bake your entire home will fill with the most amazing cinnamon and apple aroma. It is comfort baking at its finest and amazing with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream right out of the oven.

Perfect recipe for beginner bakers as it’s practically no-fail!

Ingredients for Apple Pie Bars:

The base for the bars is actually the exact same as the topping, which means you’re using minimal ingredients and cutting down on that prep work! Most items are already pantry staples which means you can make this today! Here’s what you will need to get started:

• Brown sugar
• Baking powder and Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Butter
• Egg
• Apples
• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Bakers Tip: Make sure the baking powder is fresh. Check the date often as they tend to go bad sooner than you would expect.

How to Make Apple Pie Squares:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray, or line with parchment, and set aside.
2. Whisk 1/2 cup of brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1-1/2 cups flour in a small bowl.
3. Stir the butter into the flour mixture along with the egg until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour 2/3 of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, setting the remaining mixture aside. Press down with clean hands, or a spoon, until even and well packed.
5. In a separate bowl stir together the apples, remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Pour the apples over the top of the pressed crust. Spread the filling to form an even layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mix over the top of the apples covering evenly.
8. Bake 35-40 minutes or until the bars are a light golden brown.
9. Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream!

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• I find it easiest to use parchment paper in my pan. This helps to remove the bars easily after baking and keeps the base from sticking to the pan.
• Use clean damp hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to really press the base firmly before adding the filling. Having the crust pressed tightly helps it hold together when serving.

More Apple Recipes:

• Easy Apple Pie
• Apple Moonshine Recipe
• Apple Cider in Crock Pot
• Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
• Baked Pork Chops with Apples
• Baked Apple Cider Donuts
• Best Apple Crisp Recipe
• Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers
• Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips
• Caramel Apple Crisp

More Dessert Bar Recipes:

• No-Bake Cheesecake Bars
• The BEST Snickerdoodle Blondies
• No-Bake Banana Cream Pie Bars
• Easy Peach Cobbler Bars
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
• Easy Rice Krispie Treats

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