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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon allspice - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 3 cups tart apples, peeled and diced (I love Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Using all-purpose flour gives these bars a great base. It blends well with the sugars, creating a nice crumb. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor. Granulated sugar balances this sweetness. Butter is key in this recipe. It adds moisture and helps the bars hold together. Always use unsalted butter for the best taste control. Apples bring the star power. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp give a delicious bite. These varieties hold up well during baking, keeping their shape. You can add nuts for extra texture. Walnuts or pecans work nicely, but they are optional. You can also sprinkle some oats on top for a chewy finish. Remember to have fun with the ingredients! Each choice adds a layer of flavor and texture to your bars. Enjoy creating your own version of spiced apple crumble bars! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to ensure even baking. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can grease it with butter or spray, or line it with parchment paper. Lining makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir these together until blended. Now, pour in 1 cup of melted butter. Mix it well until it turns crumbly. You want it to hold together when squeezed. Take the crumbly mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms the base. Bake it for about 10 minutes or until it feels slightly set. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. In a separate bowl, mix 3 cups of diced tart apples with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are coated. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust you just baked. To the leftover crumb mixture, stir in 1 cup of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, if you like nuts. Mix well, then sprinkle this topping over the apple layer. Make sure to cover all the apples. Now, return the pan to the oven. Bake for another 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and tender apples. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This cooling helps you slice the bars neatly. Importance of cooling: Let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps keep them from falling apart. Warm bars can be mushy and hard to cut. Give them time to set. Using a sharp knife: Always use a sharp knife when cutting the bars. A dull knife can squish the layers. For best results, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts. Adding spices or alternatives: You can boost the flavor by adding more spices. Try a pinch of ginger or cloves for a warm kick. You can also use brown sugar in place of granulated sugar for depth. Serving suggestions: These bars taste great with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess pairs well with warm, spiced apples. Overmixing the crust: Be careful not to overmix the crust ingredients. This can make the crust tough instead of crumbly. Mix just until everything comes together. Choosing the right apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Sweet apples can make the bars too sugary. Tart apples balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor. {{image_4}} If you want to make these bars gluten-free, you can swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or oat flour. Both options give a nice texture. You might need to add an extra egg or some applesauce for moisture. Adjust the baking time slightly, as gluten-free flours can behave differently. While spiced apples are classic, you can mix it up! Try adding berries like blueberries or raspberries for a tart twist. Peaches also shine in this recipe. Use whatever fruits are in season to keep it fresh and fun. Each fruit will add its unique flavor and sweetness. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply leave out the nuts. You can replace them with more oats to keep the crunch. Another option is to use crushed graham crackers or seeds, like sunflower seeds. This keeps the texture interesting without compromising taste. To keep your spiced apple crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. The ideal temperature is room temperature for short-term storage. For longer storage, the fridge is best. You can freeze these bars for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into bars and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. To thaw, simply take them out and leave them at room temperature for a few hours. For a warm treat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. In the fridge, these bars can last about 5 to 7 days. Look for signs of spoilage like a change in smell or texture. If they feel dry or crumbly, it’s time to toss them. These small checks help you enjoy your delicious bars at their best! Making Spiced Apple Crumble Bars takes about 55 minutes total. You spend 15 minutes on prep and 40 minutes baking. This includes the time to mix, bake, and cool the bars. Yes, you can use many types of apples. Granny Smith apples add tartness. Honeycrisp apples give a sweet crunch. Other good choices are Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Each type brings a unique flavor to your bars. Look for a golden brown topping. The apples should be tender but not mushy. To check, insert a fork into the apples. If it goes in easily, the bars are done. Yes, you can make Spiced Apple Crumble Bars vegan. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. For the eggs, replace them with applesauce or a flax egg. Adjust any other ingredients to keep them vegan-friendly. You’ve learned how to make delicious Spiced Apple Crumble Bars from scratch. We covered each step, from choosing the right apples to perfecting your crust. Remember to let your bars cool fully for easy slicing and great taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and adjust for dietary needs. These bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying at home. With these tips, you'll bake with confidence and impress everyone. Enjoy your tasty treats!

Spiced Apple Crumble Bars

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Spiced Apple Crumble Bars with this easy recipe! Perfectly spiced and loaded with tart apples, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll create a dessert that everyone will love. Don't wait to enjoy this comforting dessert—click through to explore the full recipe and make your own batch of these irresistible Spiced Apple Crumble Bars today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups tart apples, peeled and diced (approximately 3 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once baked.

    Make the Crust Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well blended.

      Incorporate Butter: Gradually stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly yet holds together when squeezed in your hand. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture to use later as a topping.

        Form the Crust: Evenly press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until slightly set, then remove from the oven.

          Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples with fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until the apples are evenly coated. Spread this apple mixture across the pre-baked crust in the pan.

            Add Oats and Nuts: To the reserved crumb mixture, add the rolled oats and chopped nuts (if using). Mix well and then sprinkle this over the apple layer, creating an even topping.

              Bake Further: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

                Cooling and Slicing: Once done, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This will help ensure clean slices when you cut them into individual bars.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 55 mins | Servings: 12 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board with a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top. For an indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!