Apple Crisp Bars with Oats

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. In a large bowl, mix 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, and ¼ tsp (1.5g) salt.
3. Work ¾ cup (170g) cold cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture using a fork or fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden brown; remove from the oven and set aside.
6. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 6 cups (900g) diced apples, ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch, 1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon, and 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice.
7. Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples have softened slightly and the liquid has thickened into a glossy glaze.
8. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust.
9. In a bowl, stir together 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (90g) rolled oats, 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, and 1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon.
10. Pour in ½ cup (115g) melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture is moist and clumpy.
11. Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the apple layer, pressing down very lightly.
12. Bake for 30–40 minutes until the topping is a deep mahogany-colored brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.
13. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure the cornstarch sets and the bars maintain their structure.