Apple Crisp Cookie Bars

Apple Crisp Bars: A Perfect Fall Treat

When autumn arrives, there's nothing quite as comforting as the flavors of warm apples, cinnamon, and a buttery crumble topping. These apple crisp bars take all the best parts of classic apple crisp and transform them into a portable, sliceable dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're packing them for lunch, serving them at a gathering, or enjoying one with a cup of coffee, these bars are sure to be a seasonal favorite.

Why Apple Crisp Bars?

Apple crisp is a beloved fall dessert, but sometimes you need a version that’s easier to serve and transport. That’s where apple crisp bars come in. With a sturdy yet tender crust, a layer of spiced apples, and a golden streusel topping, these bars offer the same delicious flavors in a convenient handheld form.

The Perfect Combination of Texture and Flavor

The secret to great apple crisp bars lies in the balance of textures. The buttery crust provides a firm base, the apples become tender and flavorful as they bake, and the crumbly topping adds the perfect touch of crunch. With just the right amount of sweetness and spice, each bite is packed with cozy fall flavor.

Ideal for Any Occasion

Apple crisp bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or enjoy them at room temperature as an afternoon snack. They also make great treats for bake sales, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

If you're looking for a way to enjoy the comforting taste of apple crisp in an easy-to-make, easy-to-serve format, these apple crisp bars are the perfect solution. Bake up a batch and savor the delicious flavors of fall!

 Apple Crisp Bars

Serves 16

Crust:

½ c salted soft butter, room temperature

¼ c brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 ¼c flour

Filling:

2 large apples, peeled and sliced thin (about 3 cups)

2 tbsp flour

¼ sugar

1 tbsp cinnamon

Crisp Topping:

½ c brown sugar

¼ c granulated sugar

⅓ c flour

1 tsp cinnamon 

 ½ c old fashioned oats

1 stick of butter, room temperature

Directions:

Prepare an 8x8 pan by lining it with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.

Preheat oven to 350.

Crust:

Beat butter and brown sugar together for 3 minutes.

Add vanilla and flour and mix well.

Press the crust into the prepared pan.

Filling:

Slice and peel apples.

Add flour, ¼ of granulated sugar and cinnamon and toss until the apple slices are coated.

Spread this evenly over the prepared crust.

Crisp topping:

Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and butter together until crumbly. 

Press over the top of the apple layer.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is bubbly.

Allow to cool.

Cut into 16 squares.

Find more great recipes here:

Instant pot peanut butter chicken and noodles

Instant pot loaded potato soup

Peanut butter chocolate cake mix cookies

Rustic Recipes for Autumn

The weather is starting to cool down, and the leaves are changing color. It's the perfect time to start thinking about fall cooking. Rustic recipes are all about using simple, seasonal ingredients to create hearty, flavorful dishes. They're the perfect way to warm up on a cold day and celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest. I have gathered some of my favorites to share with you. From stews, to galettes, there is something on this list for everyone. Be sure to click thru the links to visit the recipes at their original source.

Photo Credit: Various Sources.

Fresh Tomato Galette by If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen

Rustic Lamb Stew by Spend with Pennies

Mum’s Beef Stew by Kelly Neil

Rich and Rustic Mashed Potatoes by Sense and Edibility

Irish Vegetable Soup  by Cook at Home Mom

Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet by Bitz n Giggles

Italian Minestrone Soup by Cucciharella 

Creamy Stewed Potatoes  by Broke Bank Vegan

Authentic Coq Au Vin with Rooster by The Peasants Daughter

French Hunter Chicken by 24 Bite

Oxtail Ragu by The Pasta Project

Beef Roast by Sungrown Kitchen

Meat Pie by The Gunny Sack

Dutch Oven Pot Roast by The Healthy Epicurean

Cacio e Pepe by Centsless Meals

If you are planning to make some rustic family style food this fall here are some tips:

Here are some tips for making great rustic food: Use simple, fresh ingredients. Rustic food is all about using the best ingredients you can find. This means using fresh, seasonal produce, and high-quality meats and cheeses.

You can stock up on ingredients and save cash by checking out these BJ’s Wholesale Membership Deals. After grabbing your groceries at BJ's you will be ready to hop into the kitchen to start making the best rustic food.

Don't be afraid to get creative. Rustic food is all about letting your personality shine through. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

Don't overcook your food. Rustic food should be cooked until it's just tender, but still has a bit of a bite to it. Overcooked food will be dry and bland.

Let your food rest before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.

Use rustic cooking methods. Rustic food is often cooked using traditional methods, such as roasting, grilling, and braising. These methods help to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Present your food simply. Rustic food doesn't need a lot of fussy presentation. A simple, rustic platter is all you need to showcase your delicious food.

Which of these recipes do you think your family would most enjoy? I want to make the Irish veggie soup asap.

While you are here you might also like to check out some of my favorite recipes.

3 Ingredient Fool Proof Biscuits

Butter Garlic Glazed Carrots

3 Ingredient Fool Proof Biscuits

There is nothing like fresh biscuits! We love them with almost any meal, and both of my kids love to come home from a long day at school to find a basket of fresh biscuits to hold them over until dinner. This recipe is so easy that you can have a small batch of fresh biscuits ready and on the table in about 15 minutes, with only 3 ingredients!

I love to bake something fresh everyday. I do it for a bunch of reasons; out of love, boredom and necessity. Anytime I can whip up something fresh instead of turning to processed food, count me in. This biscuit recipe is so good and easy. It is truly foolproof. You can't mess this recipe up, even if you try! This is a recipe an inexperienced baker can enjoy, but even the most seasoned biscuit baker will appreciate the simplicity of this recipe!

Ingredients:

2 cups of self rising flour + a little extra for dusting

a pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups of heavy cream

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium sized mixing bowl.

When the ingredients are combined, pull the dough out of the bowl and knead it by hand for about 2 minutes. You do not want to overwork this dough! That is the secret to fluffy, flaky biscuits.

Roll the dough out to about 1/2 an inch thickness.

Using a mason jar lid or biscuit cutter, cut the dough into circles and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

If you like, brush the tops with melted butter when they come out of the oven.

Serve warm, with butter and jam.

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds to reheat.

This biscuit recipe is really good for being so fuss free. It pairs perfectly with my copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. It would also be fantastic with carrot soup.

Find all of my favorite recipes here. I would be grateful if you would share this post to your social media accounts!