A delightful twist on the classic apple dessert, these bars combine a spiced apple filling with a buttery crumble topping.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, flour, and salt to form a crumbly mixture.
Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix for a better texture.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form the base.
Use parchment paper for easy removal later.
Peel, core, and slice the apples, then toss them with cinnamon and sugar.
Slice the apples evenly for consistent baking.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the base.
Arrange the apples in a single layer for even coverage.
In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, and butter to create the topping.
Chill the butter beforehand for a crumbly texture.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Press lightly to ensure the topping adheres to the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Check halfway through to ensure even baking.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Cooling helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.