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To make these tasty bars, gather these main ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon nutmeg - ¼ teaspoon salt - ¼ cup honey or maple syrup - 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or another tart variety) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract These ingredients blend well, creating a sweet and comforting flavor. The oats provide texture, while the apples add freshness. You can enhance the flavor of your bars with these optional ingredients: - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans Adding nuts brings a nice crunch. They also add healthy fats, making the bars more filling. If you have nut allergies, you can skip them or use these alternatives: - Sunflower seeds - Pumpkin seeds These options keep the bars crunchy without the nuts. They still taste great and are safe for everyone. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for even baking. Next, grab an 8x8-inch baking pan. You can grease it with a little butter or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift out the bars later. In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon nutmeg - ¼ teaspoon salt - ¼ cup honey or maple syrup Mix these well until combined. Make sure to leave some clumps. This helps form the tasty crumble crust. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping later. In another bowl, prepare your apples. You need 2 cups of apples that are peeled, cored, and diced. Toss the apple pieces with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. This adds flavor and keeps the apples fresh. If you like nuts, mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Make sure each piece of apple gets coated in the mixture. I prefer using Granny Smith apples for my filling. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the crumble. You can also try Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter touch. Other good options include Braeburn or Jonagold. Each apple adds a unique flavor and texture. Choose apples that are firm and crisp for the best results. To get that ideal crumble texture, don’t overmix your oat mixture. You want clumps to form, which creates a crunchy top. When combining the ingredients, mix just until they come together. This helps maintain a nice contrast with the soft apple filling. Press down gently on the topping for a better bake. If your bars are too crumbly, try adding a bit more butter. This will help bind the mixture. Too dry? You may need to bake them a little less, or add a splash of water. If they seem too wet, bake them a bit longer to firm up. Always let them cool completely before slicing. This will help the bars hold their shape better. {{image_2}} To make these bars gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Use oats labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Ensure the rest of your ingredients, like baking powder and brown sugar, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without the gluten! For a vegan version, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter. Use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. For the eggs, if a recipe calls for them, you can use flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, let it sit, and use it as a binder. These swaps keep the bars tasty and plant-based! Add a twist to your bars with extra spices or extracts. Try adding a pinch of ginger for warmth. A splash of almond extract enhances the apple flavor. You can also add a dash of cardamom for a unique taste. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors to make these bars your own! Store the unbaked bars in the fridge. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. They will stay fresh for up to 24 hours. If baked, let them cool completely first. Then, cut the bars into squares before storage. Place them in a container with a lid. Baked bars can last for up to one week in the fridge. For best results, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work great. Choose a container that fits the size of your bars. Fill it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This helps keep the bars fresh and soft. If you stack them, add more parchment between layers. To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. This prevents freezer burn. Baked bars can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them up in the oven for a fresh taste. To make the bars healthier, you can use whole-grain flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the brown sugar by half. This will still give you sweetness while cutting calories. Adding more apples boosts fiber, too. You could also swap butter for coconut oil or use unsweetened applesauce. Yes, you can use different nuts! Almonds or hazelnuts work great. Pistachios add a fun twist, too. Just chop them finely and mix them into the apple filling or the crumble. This adds extra flavor and crunch. These bars last up to five days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them, and they can last up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options provide sweetness without altering the taste too much. You can also use a sugar substitute, like stevia, if you prefer a low-calorie option. Just follow the package instructions for the correct amount. No, adding nuts is not necessary. They add texture and flavor but can be left out if you prefer. If you want a nut-free version, just skip them entirely. The bars will still taste amazing and have a great crumble. These Apple Pie Oatmeal Crumble Bars combine simple ingredients with easy steps. We explored ways to make the filling and crust, plus tips for a perfect texture. You learned about variations that fit gluten-free and vegan diets. Don't forget proper storage for freshness. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe. Enjoy your delicious bars, and share them with friends and family!

Apple Pie Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Indulge in the delightful flavors of apple pie with a twist by making these scrumptious Apple Pie Oatmeal Crumble Bars. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they're perfect for breakfast or dessert! With a buttery oat crust, sweet apple filling, and a crunchy topping, these bars are a must-try. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious treat to your kitchen today! Enjoy every bite of this cozy classic!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ cup honey or maple syrup

2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or another tart variety)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and honey/maple syrup. Mix until well combined, leaving some clumps (this will form the crumble crust). Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

      Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and vanilla extract. Ensure all apple pieces are coated. If using, stir in the chopped nuts for added crunch.

        Assemble the Bars: Press the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Spread the apple filling over the crust, ensuring even distribution.

          Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the apple filling, pressing down gently to adhere.

            Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

              Cool and Slice: Once done, remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper (if used) and slice into squares or rectangles.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars |

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