Apple Crumble Bars with Oat Topping

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.

In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Cut in 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

In another bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, and the remaining one-third of the flour-butter mixture. Mix until well combined; this will be your crumble topping.

In a large bowl, combine 3 diced apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples.

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.

Sprinkle the oat crumble topping over the apple layer.

Bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and cutting into 12 bars.