Hi guys. Is everyone feeling balanced after last week’s post? Good, now we can get back to business! Would you just take a look at that bar! Look at all those beautiful apples peeking out from a blanket of crisp topping, filled with brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Then there’s the brown sugar shortbread, which is swoon-worthy all on its own. That’s three layers of fall bliss right there, my friends.
I don’t know about you, but fall baking is in full effect in my kitchen. Temps are starting to get cooler, I’ve had my first pumpkin coffee of the season, and already dreaming about Halloween cakes! Most importantly I can’t get enough of apples, and I wanted to create a dessert that really highlighted them to kick off fall baking. This bar hits all the right notes, and I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but I can’t stop eating them!
The first step in this bar is to make the crisp topping. Between the oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon, it is definitely a staple for the fall season. I highly suggest you make a big batch of it and keep it in the freezer. This way whenever you want to make these, a classic crisp, or the beloved Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars, you’re set.
Next up is the brown sugar shortbread crust. This stuff is ridiculous, and please know I mean that in the best way possible. I mean shortbread is fantastic to begin with, but the brown sugar gives it a warmth that screams fall.
Last up is the apple compote. This is a another recipe you will always go back to, and so good on its own that I had to make it several times 🙂 I posted the before photo on Instagram last week, and the shot below is the after. When you let a vanilla bean get cozy with some apples, you will get unbelievable flavor, and check out all those pretty specks!
The most important thing when making this is to make sure your apples are all cut the same size so they cook evenly. I also want to mention that the type of apples you use will make a big difference. I’ve made this the bars with a few different varieties throughout the years and granny smith is the one you need to go with. The tartness adds a brilliant brightness to these bars.
Finally, you put it all together and send it off into the oven where everyone can get to know each other. About 25 minutes later your whole house will smell of cinnamon vanilla goodness. The shortbread is warm, buttery, and flaky. The apples take on even more flavor as they bake, and the crisp topping provides the perfect crunch to finish it all off. Paired with a cup of coffee or apple cider, this a great treat to welcome fall. The only question now is who will get the last piece?
Classic apple crisp gets a sweet upgrade with brown sugar shortbread covered with apples, all tucked under a blanket of crisp topping!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, room temp
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp. bourbon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4lbs. granny smith apples - I used 9 good sized apples
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 3/4 cup water
- 8.5 ounces sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Stir dry ingredients together in a bowl.
- Cut in butter with your fingers until you have pea sized pieces.
- Store in fridge till ready to use.
- Spray 9 x 13" pan with nonstick spray, line with parchment paper, and spray with nonstick again.
- Cream butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and bourbon.
- Mix in flour just until combined.
- Press dough into pan and chill until firm.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Peel and cut apples and place in saucepan with water, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla bean. Make sure the your pot is big enough.
- Bring to a boil (this is just to dissolve the sugar) then drop the heat to medium low and pop a lid on it. Stir every so often to make sure that apples are cooking evenly.
- When apples start to get translucent, it's done. This should take 17-20 minutes.If you let them cook longer, they will get mushy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain before assembling bars.
- Increase oven temperature to 350 degrees.
- Place apple compote on top of cooled shortbread crust. Please make sure you strain the apples first making sure there is no liquid and remove the vanilla bean.
- Sprinkle crisp topping evenly over apples.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely in pan.
Notes
Make a big batch of crisp topping and keep it in the freezer. You'll be set to make bars and crisps all season.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before you remove them!
I suggest chilling the bars overnight before you cut them if you can wait that long.
Joybee says
what is the measurement of a stick of butter ? = 1/2 cup?
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
Although I’m super sad to see summer go, I’m totally excited for all things apple. I’m not a pumpkin guy at all… but give me some apple desserts and I’m all over it!
Shirley says
What type of oats do you use for your topping? Quick Cooking? Original?
Thanks, I’m loving your blog!
Shirley
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Dreaming I had a apple crisp bar for breakfast right now, looks amazing!
Georgia says
Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe! I was looking for something to use apples from my tree in a dessert for our neighborhood potluck. This recipe turned out great and everyone loved it. I tried it a second time using persimmons, cooking them the same as the apples but then I pureed them and thickened them with some cornstarch before spreading them over the shortbread base and I added a little nutmeg to the topping recipe. They came out really good. I think this recipe will work well with other fruits too. I’m going to try making it with pears next.
Dina says
they look yummy!
Christine says
Thanks for the wonderful recipe! I’ve made this twice already this fall and my family love it. It’s a nice twist on the original.
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
I love anything with apples! This look delicious and bars are such a nice change with the cookies base from traditional crisp! Yum!
Susan J says
Made these the other day. They were delicious. I loved the cookie base with the crisp topping. Totally my kind of dessert. I almost halved the recipe, but then decided to go with the full size. I’m glad I did. The vanilla bean in the compote gave the apples a nice little push in the flavor department. BTW, this is great warmed up with some Haagen Dazs Ducle de Leche ice cream. 😀
Leslie says
These were so amazing when I made them this fall my family wants them for our Christmas dessert. I can’t wai tto make them again.
bblondie says
Thanks Leslie! So happy you & your family enjoyed them!
Rhianna says
I made these bars last night after seeing how tempting they looked. Fabulous 🙂
Elizabeth says
Made these for my family and they were wonderful! I wish I’d been better about cutting the apples into more uniform sizes — some of them were smushy and others were still crisp, but they were still amazing! We will definitely have these again. Thank you for the recipe.
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
Yes, please!!! These look and sound awesome!!! Love how you described them!
Peggy says
We’re actually going apple picking this weekend, so these bars will be a perfect use for some of those delicious apples =)
Liz says
Printing this off! YUM!
Hester @: Alchemy in the Kitchen says
No question, Meghan, that last piece has my name on it! I love apple crisp but the shortbread adds a whole new layer of flavour(literally!) This is delightful.
the wicked noodle says
Totally swoon-worthy!! It took me awhile to get over summer ending but these just pushed me right into a happy fall 🙂
Kate@Diethood says
These look incredible! I love that shortbread. Wish I could bite into it right now. 🙂
Jaime says
Reading your post makes me wish autumn rolled in sooner! Love your photos and this recipe is absolutely scrumptious x Have a happy autumn baking Meghan!!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Last year I purchased 2 new pair of fall boots, and I have my eye on a few that I’d love to add to my collection. Boots are my favorite fall accessory.
These bars look so good, and I love honey crisp apples this time of year. Yay for fall baking!
bblondie says
Same here! It was not a good idea for me to go shopping this wknd!
Nicole says
Love the shortbread. Love the apples. Love the idea. Will be trying it.
Jess Wakasugi {Life's Simple Measures} says
Came across this recipe over at Noble Pig and my goodness am I glad I made the click! First, these bars look amazing! I am a complete sucker for crisps! Also, absolutely love your blog and all of your pictures are gorgeous! Glad to be your newest follower 🙂
bblondie says
You are so sweet, thank you Jess! So happy you made the click too 🙂
Jane says
Looks just wonderful. I always get a yen to bake with apples as soon as my kids go back to school. It’s the best way to welcome in autumn, even if we’re a little early. Lovely recipe!
ally says
desserts like these somehow manage to make autumn more beautiful & lovely!
xo
http://allykayler.blogspot.ca/
bblondie says
Thank you Ally!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
Apple crisp is one of my favorite desserts! I love the idea of having it in bar form!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I love crumbles and crisps and the Apple Compote sounds delish – with the vanilla bean in it – oh wow!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
heavenly!!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
Wow, great pictures, what I’d do for a slice right now 🙁 I was balanced until I saw these!
bblondie says
Lol, thanks Gerry!!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
These look amazing!! Apples are one of my favorite things to bake with in the fall!
Marina {YummyMummyKitchen.com} says
Want! These look amazing! Perfect for fall!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
I love apple baking! I just baked with some apples today 🙂 It is supposed to be cold here tomorrow, so some more fall baking might have to take place!
Michael Ann says
These look absolutely DIVINE!!! I must try them!
amy @ fearless homemaker says
these look absolutely amazing! i’ll take one for my afternoon snack, please. =)
bblondie says
Thanks Amy! I’ll trade you for a cheesecake bar!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Wow, your bars look amazing!!! What gorgeous pictures!!! I just love this recipe!!
bblondie says
Thank so much Jen!
Cassie says
Welcome, fall! These are so great, Meghan. I love apple crisp!
bblondie says
Thanks girl!
CArol says
Love this professional recipe..I am making them tonight with apples I picked:) oh..and changing it to whole wheat flour for added nutrition and nutty flavour:)
bblondie says
Thanks Carol! Hope you enjoy them!
Eftychia says
Can I have a piece please?
bblondie says
Of course you can! 🙂