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Welcome the flavors of fall with these delectable Apple Orchard Bars. Bursting with the goodness of apples, oats, almonds, and coconut, these bars are the perfect blend of chewy and crunchy. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon at home or need a delightful treat for a gathering, these bars will surely impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Autumn Flavors: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and oats brings a comforting taste of fall to every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are easy to whip up for any occasion.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even a breakfast treat with your morning coffee.
Ingredients
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1 ½ cups flaked coconut, divided (I prefer desiccated coconut, which has a finely grated texture)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup white sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Add ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually mix in 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ cup rolled oats until fully incorporated.
3. Add Apples and Coconut
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and 1 cup of flaked coconut (or desiccated coconut) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Prepare the Pan
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
5. Top with Almonds and Coconut
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of flaked coconut and ¼ cup sliced almonds evenly over the top of the batter.
6. Bake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Serve and enjoy!
Additional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per bar
Tips
- Apple Varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
- Coconut Options: If you can’t find desiccated coconut, regular flaked coconut works just fine. Desiccated coconut is available in some specialty stores or online.
FAQ
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds? Yes, you can substitute almonds with walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free oats to make these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How should I store these bars? Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy these delightful Apple Orchard Bars as a perfect fall treat. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, they’re sure to bring a taste of autumn to your table.
