Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars

$To make these tasty Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon cornstarch These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet and tart. The rolled oats give the bars a hearty texture. The Granny Smith apples add a nice tang. For this recipe, you will need a few key tools: - A 9x13 inch baking dish - Mixing bowls - A spoon for mixing - A measuring cup and spoons - A knife for chopping apples - An oven for baking These tools help you combine and bake your ingredients with ease. You can make your bars even better with some tasty toppings: - Vanilla ice cream on top - A sprinkle of extra cinnamon - Chopped nuts for crunch Serve the bars warm for the best taste. Pairing them with ice cream makes it a special treat. Enjoy! To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. You can also use parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture looks crumbly. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish. This will be your crisp base. Now it's time to make the apple filling. In a separate bowl, take 2 cups of Granny Smith apples, which you should peel, core, and dice. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to help keep the apples fresh. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. This mixture will add a nice sweet and tangy flavor to your bars. Spread the apple filling evenly over the oat crust in your baking dish. Make sure the apples are spread out well. Next, crumble the reserved oat mixture on top of the apples. This will create a delicious crispy layer. Now, pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the top to turn golden brown and the apples to get tender. Once done, let the bars cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Then, slice them into squares. Enjoy your warm cinnamon apple crisp bars! To make the oat mixture great, focus on texture. Use rolled oats, as they add chewiness. Combine them with flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. This mix brings out a warm, sweet flavor. When you pour in melted butter, mix until crumbly. This helps bind the bars. Remember to save about one cup for the topping. A good texture makes all the difference. Selecting the right apples is key. I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. They balance the sweetness of the sugars well. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice to brighten their flavor. Adding vanilla extract enhances the aroma. Cornstarch helps thicken the apple filling, making it less runny. This mix makes every bite flavorful and juicy. After baking, let the bars cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps them set properly. Cut them into squares for easy serving. Warm bars taste best, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold cream melts slightly, creating a wonderful contrast. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice touch. Enjoy these bars fresh for the best taste! {{image_2}} You can make these Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Most blends work well, but check for one that mimics regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat! While apples are classic, feel free to mix it up! You can use pears, peaches, or even berries. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. For example, berries may need less sugar since they are sweet naturally. Experimenting with fruit can bring new flavors to your bars! Want to boost the flavor? Try adding nuts or oats for crunch. Walnuts or pecans work great in the topping. You can also add a hint of nutmeg or ginger for a warm spice twist. A splash of maple syrup can add extra sweetness too. These little changes can create a new taste every time! To keep your Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They can stay at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. They will stay good in the fridge for about a week. When you are ready to enjoy your bars again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them up and makes them taste fresh again. You can also microwave a single bar for 20-30 seconds. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overheating. If you want to freeze the bars, first let them cool completely. Cut them into squares and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as needed for a warm treat. Yes, you can use other apples. I like Granny Smith for their tartness. You can try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples. Each type adds its own flavor. Just pick apples you enjoy. These bars last about four days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can stay fresh for a week. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They are great for meal prep. Just bake them and let them cool. Then cut and store them for later. You can use all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch. You can also use arrowroot powder. Both options work well to thicken the apple filling. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan. Use vegan butter in place of regular butter. You can also swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar. These changes keep the bars delicious and plant-based. You learned how to make apple crisp bars with simple steps. We covered key ingredients, tools, and tasty toppings. I shared tips on perfecting the oat mix and enhancing flavor. You also saw different fruit options and how to store leftovers. Experiment with this recipe and enjoy the sweet rewards. Try your favorite flavors and share with others. Now it’s time for you to bake these delicious bars and make memories!$

Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars

Indulge in the cozy flavors of Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars with this easy recipe! These delicious bars combine oats, sweet Granny Smith apples, and a touch of cinnamon for a delightful dessert everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, this recipe is quick to make and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream. Click through for step-by-step instructions and enjoy a slice of comfort today!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving

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 bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Pour the melted butter into the oat mixture and mix until crumbly. Reserve about 1 cup of the mixture for the topping.

Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base.

In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until well coated.

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the oat crust in the baking dish.

Crumble the reserved oat mixture on top of the apples, ensuring it's evenly distributed.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Allow the bars to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before slicing them into squares.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful finish! Enjoy your tasty Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars!