Apple-Cherry Crumble Bars

By ROBandSEAN

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried apples, about 7 ounces
• 3/4 cup dried cherries, about 4 1/2 ounces
• 1 3/4 cups apple cider
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (16 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for dish

Details

Servings 24

Preparation

Step 1

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Simmer apples, cherries, and cider in a covered saucepan, stirring occasionally, until fruits are softened and plump, about 5 minutes. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. Let cool.

Coarsely chop fruit. Combine with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and reserved cooking liquid.

Whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, remaining 3/4 cup sugar, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until crumbs range in size from peas to gum balls. Press 4 cups of oat mixture into bottom of prepared dish. Spread fruit filling on top, leaving a 1/4-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top.

Bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let cool in dish on a wire rack. Cut into 24 bars. Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.