Description
These spiced apple oat bars feature a warm, spiced apple filling nestled between layers of tender, buttery oat crumble. Easy to make, they are perfect as a snack or dessert for family gatherings, but require full cooling before slicing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats, plus 1 tbsp for garnish
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling)
- 2–3 medium Granny Smith apples, diced (350g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (slurry)
- 1 tsp powdered sugar, optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch square baking pan by lightly greasing and lining it with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two sides.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the diced Granny Smith apples, 2 tbsp brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and lemon juice. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Make Oat Crumble: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, remaining sugars (brown sugar and granulated sugar), baking soda, and fine sea salt. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and forms a coarse, crumbly texture.
- Press Bottom Layer: Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a solid base.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cooled spiced apple filling evenly over the pressed oat base, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the oat crumble loosely over the top.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled and set, slice the large square into 12-16 individual bars. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar and toasted oats, if desired.
Notes
To ensure clean slices, cool the bars completely for at least 2 hours. Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and texture, and avoid overmixing the crumble to keep it tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg