Apple Crisp Bars
Apple Crisp Bars are like apple pie in bar form! With a gooey spiced apple center, cinnamon sugar cookie crust, and sugar cookie and oat crumble on top, this is an apple recipe you'll want to make on repeat.
What are apple crisp bars?
First of all, apple crips bars are better than apple pie. There, I said it.
They just have so much more to offer than apple pie- especially these specific apple crisp bars! They have multiple layers of deliciousness, unlike apple pie which just has plain old pie crust and apple filing.
Let's lay out what these apple crisp bars are all about, layer by layer:
- The first layer of these bars is the crust- but it's not just any crust. These apple crisp bars feature a cinnamon sugar cookie crust that is just sooo buttery and perfectly spiced with cinnamon. Definitely takes these apple bars to the next level!
- Next up is the dreamy layer of apple filing. Once baked, the apples turn perfectly soft and the filling nice and gooey. The filling features notes of nutmeg and cinnamon that goes so well with the taste of apples!
- Lastly, we have the crisp topping. This topping features more cinnamon sugar cookie dough, oats, brown sugar, and nutmeg. It gets baked into a nice and crispy layer that is just the ideal finishing touch for these apple crisp bars.
What is the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
I was curious about whether or not there was a difference between apple crips and apple crumble, so I did some research and it turns out that there is! Apparently, the only real difference between apple crisp and apple crumble is the topping. An apple crisp topping includes oats and/or nuts, while an apple crumble topping usually doesn't.
What kind of apples should I use?
Pretty much any apple will work in this recipe, but my favorite apples to bake with are McIntosh, gala, Granny Smith, or Cortland. This recipe is so great for using up all those apples you don't know what to do with from when you went apple picking! Feel free to even use a combination of different types of apples for these bars.
Looking for more apple recipes?
Still have some apples to use up? Can't get enough of apples this fall? Check out some of my other apple recipes:
- Cinnamon Apple Roses
- Cornbread Stuffing With Sausage and Apples
- Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
- Hot Spiced Apple Cider
If you make this recipe, I would love it if you would leave a rating and a comment down below! You can also share on Instagram and tag me @lalaskitchentable- I love to see what you make!
Apple Crisp Bars
Apple Crisp Bars are like apple pie in bar form! With a gooey spiced apple center, cinnamon sugar cookie crust, and sugar cookie and oat crumble on top, this is an apple recipe you'll want to make on repeat.
- 8x8" pan
Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Crust
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Apple Filling
- 6 apples (sliced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp corn starch
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Topping
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Crust
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Preheat oven to 375ºF. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and line 8x8" pan with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla, about 2-3 minutes. Addflour, cinnamon, and salt; mix until combined- texture will be dry and crumbly.
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Add dough mixture to prepared pan; press dough into pan to form the crust using your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup, until it is tightly packed.
Apple Filling
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Cut apples into slices about 1/4 inch thick. Add to a large bowl along with lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, add filling to pan.
Topping
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In a bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar, about 1 minute. Add flour, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg; combine until mixture comes together to from clumps and appears crumbly, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle topping over apple filling.
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Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes-1 hour, or until top is lightly browned. Allow the bars to cool completely before enjoying. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.