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When it comes to delightful desserts that capture the essence of fall, Honey Crisp Apple Pie Bars stand out as a favorite. These bars combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the crisp sweetness of fresh Honey Crisp apples, making them an ideal choice for any gathering or simply as a treat to enjoy at home. Not only are they easy to make, but they also transform seasonal ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert that evokes nostalgia and warmth.

Honey Crisp Apple Pie Bars

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with Honey Crisp Apple Pie Bars, a perfect dessert for gatherings and everyday treats! These easy-to-make bars combine fresh Honey Crisp apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all nestled in a buttery, crumbly crust. With a delightful contrast of textures and a sweet-tart flavor profile, these dessert bars are sure to impress. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a simple sweet treat at home.

Ingredients
  

For the crust and topping:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 cup oats (either quick or old-fashioned)

For the apple filling:

4-5 medium Honey Crisp apples, peeled and thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For serving (optional):

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Drizzle of caramel sauce

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Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some excess to hang over the edges for easy lifting later.

    Prepare the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the oats until the mixture is evenly combined.

      Form the Base Crust: Take approximately half of the crumb mixture and firmly pat it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a uniform crust. Set aside the remaining crumb mixture for the topping.

        Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced Honey Crisp apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss well to ensure that every apple slice is evenly coated in the mixture.

          Assemble the Bars: Evenly spread the apple filling over the crust layer. Then, crumble the reserved topping mixture over the apple filling, ensuring to cover most of the apple slices.

            Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.

              Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the dish, then cut into squares. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.

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                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

                    Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, serve the bars on a rustic wooden cutting board garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few additional apple slices.