We gave our Crumbly Oat and Apricot Bars a fall makeover with apples, making a sweet compote to spread over the oat and honey shortbread that doubles as both crust and crumbly topping. Pack these bars up for school lunches, slip them onto a holiday cookie platter, or serve with afternoon tea.
- Yield: 16 squares
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total: 1 hr 20 mins, plus 1 to 2 hrs cooling time
For the apple compote:
- 3 small apples, peeled and diced
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
For the oatmeal crust:
- 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup whole-wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), plus more for coating the baking dish
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Generously coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter and set it aside.
For the apple compote:
- Place the apples, vanilla extract, sugar, and water in a small pot over low heat and cover. Cook for approximately 20 minutes. Once the apples are tender, smash them with the back of a spatula until you have a chunky compote texture.
For the oatmeal crust:
- Meanwhile, make the crust: Place the oats, both flours, and the salt in a large heatproof bowl and stir to combine. Place the measured butter, honey, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Immediately pour the butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until the oats are evenly coated. When the mixture’s cool enough to handle but still warm, use a measuring cup to evenly press half of it (about 1 1/2 cups) into the bottom of the prepared baking dish; set it aside.
- Spread the apple compote evenly over the oat base. Evenly sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apple compote and gently press it in with your fingers.
- Bake until the top is browned, about 30 to 40 minutes. (If you’re using a glass or ceramic baking dish, it may take 5 minutes longer.) Remove from the oven to a wire rack and let cool completely before cutting into squares, about 1 to 2 hours.