A Historical Overview of Apple Crisp Bars
Apple crisp itself became popular in the early 20th century as a simpler alternative to pie, combining spiced apples with a crumbly oat topping. Over time, bakers began experimenting with portable versions, leading to the creation of apple crisp bars. These bars capture the nostalgic flavors of apple crisp but in a handheld, shareable form—perfect for lunch boxes, bake sales, or gatherings. Today, they’re a fall and holiday favorite because they blend the heartiness of apple crisp with the convenience of cookie bars.
Apple Crisp Bars – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Description
These Apple Crisp Bars are buttery, sweet, and perfectly spiced—an irresistible fall dessert that’s easier than pie but just as comforting. With layers of tender apples, cinnamon-sugar filling, and a golden crumble topping, each bar is a cozy bite of autumn. Ideal for Thanksgiving dessert trays, potlucks, or just a weekend treat, these bars are portable, easy to make, and crowd-pleasing. Serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of ice cream, or enjoy them as a quick snack with your favorite cup of coffee.
Ingredients
For the Crust & Topping:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp salt
For the Apple Filling:
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4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp nutmeg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in flour and salt until crumbly.
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Press half of the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
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In another bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Spread evenly over the crust.
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Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the apples, pressing lightly.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
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Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
Granny Smith apples give the best tart balance, but Honeycrisp or Gala work too.
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Chill before cutting for clean, even bars.
FAQs
1. Can I make apple crisp bars ahead of time?
Yes! They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just bake, cool, and refrigerate overnight.
2. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer filling, but you can leave the peel on for extra fiber and texture.
3. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure the bars cool completely before cutting. Using a bit of flour in the apple mixture also helps absorb extra juices.
