Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweet and tangy apple filling is perfectly complemented by a crunchy, buttery crumble topping. These bars are easy to prepare, require no fancy techniques, and don’t need special equipment. Plus, they make your kitchen smell amazing! They’re perfect for beginners and can be customized with your favorite apples and spices. Whether you’re serving them warm with ice cream or at room temperature, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks)

For the Apple Filling:

  • 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the bars after baking.

2. Make the Apple Filling:

  • Peel, core, and slice the apples into small thin pieces.

  • In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the apples are well-coated. Set aside while you prepare the crust and topping.

3. Make the Crust and Topping:

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well-mixed.

  • Pour in the melted butter and stir with a spoon or your hands until everything comes together and forms a crumbly mixture.

  • Press about two-thirds of this crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it down evenly to form a base layer.

  • Reserve the remaining crumble mixture for the topping.

4. Assemble the Bars:

  • Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pressed crust.

  • Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the apples.

5. Bake the Bars:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.

  • Keep an eye on the bars near the end of the baking time, and if the topping is getting too brown, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.

6. Cool and Serve:

  • Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

  • For the best results, allow them to cool completely before serving. If you prefer warm bars, they’re also great served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12-16 bars

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 40-45 minutes

  • Total time: 1 hour (including cooling)

Variations

  • Spices: For added warmth, you can add nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to the apple filling. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon based on your taste.

  • Nuts: Add a 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble mixture for extra crunch and flavor.

  • Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the baked bars or mix a little into the apple filling for a sweet twist.

  • Different Fruits: You can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or berries, or make a mixed fruit crumble.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover Apple Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

  • Refrigeration: You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure they are in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

  • Freezing: These bars freeze well! To freeze, cut them into squares and store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

  • Reheating: To reheat, place the bars in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie filling?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought apple pie filling instead of making your own. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and cornstarch in the recipe since pie filling may already contain sugar and thickening agents.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any apples you prefer, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for baking because they hold their shape and provide a good balance of tartness and sweetness. You can mix different types of apples for added flavor complexity.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I add more crumble topping?

Absolutely! If you love the crumble topping, feel free to use more of the mixture on top. Just make sure to leave enough for the base layer.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. If the crust starts to get too brown before the apples are tender, cover the pan loosely with foil and continue baking.

Conclusion

Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tart apples, buttery crumble, and warm spices. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a go-to dessert for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With their gooey apple filling and crisp, crumbly topping, these bars make for an irresistible treat that will satisfy any craving. Whether you serve them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just as a cozy dessert for yourself, Apple Crumble Bars are sure to be a hit!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Apple Crumble Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12-16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Apple Crumble Bars are an easy-to-make, delicious dessert featuring a buttery, oat-filled crumble topping and a sweet, tangy apple filling. Perfect for beginners, these bars combine the flavors of apple pie in a handheld treat, making them ideal for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and no special equipment, they’re a must-try for anyone craving a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks)

For the Apple Filling:

  • 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

  • Make the Apple Filling:

    • Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin pieces.

    • In a medium bowl, mix the sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch until well coated. Set aside.

  • Make the Crust and Topping:

    • In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until mixed.

    • Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.

    • Press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.

    • Set the remaining crumble mixture aside for the topping.

  • Assemble the Bars:

    • Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pressed crust.

    • Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the apples.

  • Bake the Bars:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.

    • If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.

  • Cool and Serve:

    • Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting them into squares.

    • For the best results, let them cool completely before serving. Alternatively, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Notes

For added flavor, try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice into the apple filling.Adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the crumble topping adds extra crunch.Drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet touch.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star