Get ready to experience a mouthwatering journey of flavors that will transport you straight to dessert heaven! These Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, warm, and comforting – a dessert so irresistible that you'll want to make them again and again. Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced treat that combines the softness of baked apples, the crunch of oats, and the warm embrace of cinnamon – all in one incredible bar that's sure to become your new favorite dessert!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir the mixture until it is well combined and crumbly. This will form the base and topping for your bars.
- In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor. Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the lemon juice.
- Spread half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly to create a solid base.
- Layer the sliced apples over the oat base, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apples, ensuring that the apples are covered as much as possible.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing into bars.
- For best results, serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars!
Tips
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Butter Temperature is Key: Make sure your butter is fully melted but not scorching hot when mixing with the dry ingredients. This helps create that perfect crumbly texture for the base and topping.
- Press Firmly: When creating the base layer, press the oat mixture down firmly and evenly. This ensures a compact, delicious crust that holds together beautifully.
- Don't Overcrowd the Apples: Spread the apple slices in a single, even layer to ensure they cook properly and don't become mushy.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner, more attractive slices.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars are incredible when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top just before serving.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Pro tip: Warm them briefly in the oven or microwave to restore that fresh-baked taste and texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
