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

  1. 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:

  1. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.