Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment for easy cleanup. Yes, parchment is your friend.

In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until it looks like a cohesive crumb party.

In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter and maple syrup. Pour into the dry mix and stir until just combined. It should hold together but not be a gluey mess.

Fold in apples and blackberries gently. You want pockets of fruit, not a fruit mushy chaos.

Press half the dough into the pan to form the base. Sprinkle the fruit mixture evenly over it. Top with the remaining dough, pressing gently to create a crumbly top.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the top looks set. The middle should be slightly soft but not wobbly.

Cool completely in the pan before slicing. Patience is a virtue, especially with warm fruit bars.