To heighten the flavor of apples in these crumbly fruit bars, we steeped dried apple slices in cider; dried cherries lend hints of color and tartness. And the bars are a cinch to make: Some of the dough is first pressed into the pan and covered with softened fruit; the remaining dough is then sprinkled over the top before baking.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 2 dozen
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Simmer apples, cherries, and cider in a covered saucepan, stirring occasionally, until fruits are softened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, 5 minutes more. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. Let cool.
Step 2
Coarsely chop fruit. Combine with 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and reserved cooking liquid in a bowl.
Step 3
Whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, remaining 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal with a few larger clumps remaining.
Step 4
Press 4 cups of oat mixture evenly into bottom of prepared dish. Spread fruit filling on top, leaving a 1/4-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture evenly on top.
Step 5
Bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let cool completely in dish on a wire rack. Cut into 24 bars. Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container up to 3 days.
