Description
These cozy, plant-based bars feature a soft cake-like base, tender spiced apple filling, and a crunchy coconut oil crumble topping. They are easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and offer the perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for base)
- ½ cup melted refined coconut oil (for base)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for base)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large apples, peeled and diced (approx. 4 cups)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with a splash of water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup solid cold refined coconut oil (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for topping)
- Optional: ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan lightly with coconut oil or spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla. Pour in ½ cup melted coconut oil and mix until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the base mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large bowl, toss diced apples with ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and apple cider.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the apple mixture and spread evenly over the base in the pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup flour, oats, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Cut in ½ cup solid cold coconut oil using a fork or pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form.
- Scatter the crumble topping loosely over the apples.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the topping is deep golden brown and edges are bubbling. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour (preferably 2) before cutting to allow the filling to set.
Notes
Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor. Ensure coconut oil for the topping is solid and cold to create a crunchy texture rather than a cake layer. Cornstarch is essential to thicken the apple juices. Bars taste better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: vegan, gluten-free option, apple dessert, fall baking, crumble bars, dairy-free, easy dessert, meal prep