Canadian Cozy Apple Oat Bars
Apple Bars are a delightful treat that blend the comforting flavours of baked apples with a crumbly oat topping. Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet snack or as a dessert after dinner, these bars bring warmth and nostalgia to your table. With their rich, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a buttery crust, they are perfect for any occasion—family gatherings, tea parties, or simply a cosy night in.
What Goes into This Apple Bars
For your Apple Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 240g all-purpose flour
- 135g old-fashioned oats
- 100g granulated sugar
- 150g brown sugar
- 225g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 60g powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Step-by-Step Apple Bars Recipe
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Apple Bars:
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
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Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Reserve 150g of this mixture for the topping. Then press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the lined baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.
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While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if using.
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After removing the crust from the oven, spread the apple mixture evenly over it. Sprinkle the reserved topping mixture over the apples.
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Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
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Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
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For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled Apple Bars before serving.
The Best Way to Serve It
Apple Bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, making them perfect for serving at gatherings or picnics. You can slice them into generous squares or bars, and for an extra touch, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to make them even more decadent, a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of caramel sauce on top can elevate your serving game.
Helpful Tricks for Apple Bars
- Apple Varieties: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a more complex flavour.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready, press it into the pan and bake.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth in your Apple Bars.
Apple Bars FAQs
Can I use store-bought pastry instead of making my own crust?
Yes, you can use a pre-made pastry for convenience, but the homemade crust adds a lovely texture and flavour.
How should I store leftover Apple Bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for about a week. They also freeze well for up to three months.
Can I substitute the oats?
If you’re not a fan of oats, you can replace them with more flour, but the texture and flavour will differ.
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Give these Apple Bars a try and enjoy every last bite of this delightful recipe. They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends, bringing warmth and sweetness to your table!
Apple Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 240 g all-purpose flour
- 135 g old-fashioned oats
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 150 g brown sugar
- 225 g unsalted butter, cold and cubed Important to use cold butter.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Apple Filling
- 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Topping
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze) Adjust for desired consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 150g of this mixture for the topping. Then press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the lined baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if using.
- After removing the crust from the oven, spread the apple mixture evenly over it. Sprinkle the reserved topping mixture over the apples.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled Apple Bars before serving.
