Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust & Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Apple Filling:
- 5-6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the bottom crust.
Make the Filling:
- Peel and slice apples into thin, uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch thick).
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.
- Spread apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Add Topping & Bake:
- Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the apples.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and apples are tender.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting.
Make the Glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled bars before serving.
Notes
• Apple Choice: Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked. Avoid Red Delicious or overly soft varieties.
•Even Slicing: Keep apple slices uniform for consistent cooking.
•Don’t Skip Cooling: Let bars cool completely before cutting or they’ll fall apart.
•Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
•Make-Ahead: These bars actually taste better the next day as flavors meld together.
Variations
•Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping
•Mix in 1/4 cup dried cranberries with the apples
•Substitute maple syrup for half the brown sugar for deeper flavor
- Prep Time: 20 minutes