Sweet & Crispy Apple Crumble Bars Recipe to Wow Your Guests

Warm, gooey apple crumble bars dance between comfort and indulgence, promising a delightful twist on classic desserts.

Crisp orchard apples mingle with buttery, crumbly layers that whisper sweet nostalgia.

Seasonal ingredients bring magic to every delectable bite.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave their aromatic spell through tender fruit and golden pastry.

Perfectly balanced textures create a symphony of flavor that feels like a culinary embrace.

Baking these bars connects you to cherished kitchen memories.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible treat.

Why Apple Crumble Bars Are A Must-Try

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: These apple crumble bars deliver an irresistible blend of sweet, spiced apples and buttery crumble that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Master Baking with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, school events, or casual weekend treats, these bars work beautifully as a dessert, snack, or make-ahead option that travels well.
• Seasonal Comfort in Every Bite: Packed with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars capture the cozy essence of autumn, bringing nostalgic flavors that remind you of home-baked goodness.

What You’ll Need For Apple Crumble Bars

• Flour: Provides the foundational structure for the bar's base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, rich sweetness and helps create a caramel-like texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the crumble.
• Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice to the base layer.
• Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture and adds delicious buttery flavor.

• Apples: Deliver fresh, sweet fruit essence and natural juiciness to the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps draw out apple moisture.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a subtle tangy brightness.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple's natural flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling and prevents excess liquid.

• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a deep, complex sweet flavor to the entire dessert.

How To Make Apple Crumble Bars At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. The paper edges should hang over the sides so you can easily lift out your bars later. Set your oven to 350°F to get it warming up.

Step 2: Create Crumble Base

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Work in Butter

Cut cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Keep working until the mixture looks like rough, pebbly crumbs. This technique helps create that irresistible crumbly texture.

Step 4: Form First Crumble Layer

Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Make sure you create an even, compact base that will support your apple filling.

Step 5: Prepare Apple Filling

• Diced apples
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Toss these ingredients until the apples are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 6: Thicken Apple Mixture

Sprinkle cornstarch over the apple mixture and gently fold it in. This helps create a luscious, not-too-runny filling that will hold together beautifully.

Step 7: Add Binding Agent

Whisk egg and vanilla extract together in a small bowl. Fold this mixture into the apple filling to help everything stick together perfectly.

Step 8: Layer Apple Filling

Spread the seasoned apple mixture uniformly over the crumble base. Ensure an even distribution so every bite is packed with fruity goodness.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Crumble

Scatter the remaining crumb mixture over the apple layer. Let some apple pieces peek through for a rustic, appetizing look.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling becomes bubbly and fragrant.

Step 11: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This resting time allows everything to set properly, which makes cutting easier.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve these mouthwatering apple crumble bars to eager friends and family.

Best Tips For Apple Crumble Bars

• Prevent Soggy Base: Pat apple pieces dry with paper towels before mixing with sugar to reduce excess moisture and maintain a crisp bottom crust.
• Select Firm Apples: Choose varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn that hold their shape during baking and provide balanced tartness.
• Master Crumb Texture: Ensure butter is ice-cold and work quickly when cutting into dry ingredients to create perfect, coarse crumble consistency.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to help filling set and prevent crumbly, messy slices when serving.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sprinkle a pinch of cardamom or add chopped toasted nuts to the crumble mixture for enhanced aromatic complexity.

Ways To Customize Apple Crumble Bars

• Peach Paradise Bars: Swap apples with fresh, juicy peaches and add a touch of almond extract for a summery, vibrant flavor profile.
• Berry Blitz Bars: Replace apples with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, enhancing the crumble with a sprinkle of lemon zest.
• Caramel Apple Comfort Bars: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the final crumble layer, creating a rich, indulgent dessert.
• Nutty Autumn Bars: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble base and sprinkle additional nuts on top for extra crunch and warmth.

Great Sips With Apple Crumble Bars

• Brew Warming Beverages: Pair these bars with a creamy chai latte or rich vanilla bean cappuccino to amplify the cinnamon and apple notes.
• Select Elegant Scoops: Top the bars with premium vanilla bean ice cream or cinnamon gelato for a luxurious temperature and flavor contrast.
• Match Refined Spirits: Drizzle a small glass of aged calvados (apple brandy) or a smooth bourbon alongside the dessert to elevate the apple's warmth and complexity.
• Garnish with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or almond slivers over the bars to introduce a delightful textural element that complements the crumbly base.

Keeping Apple Crumble Bars Fresh

• Store cooled apple crumble bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place in a covered container away from direct sunlight to maintain their crisp crumble texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before serving.

FAQs About Apple Crumble Bars

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

• Is it necessary to peel the apples before dicing?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients to the bars. If you prefer a smoother filling, go ahead and peel the apples.

• How do I know if the crumble bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling apple filling around the edges. The bars should appear set and slightly firm when gently touched.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Apple Crumble Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible Apple Crumble Bars blend classic American dessert comfort with elegant bakery charm. Warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestled between buttery crumble layers promise sweet satisfaction for family gatherings and casual weekend treats.

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Ingredients

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Crumble Base and Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Apple Filling:

• 4 large apples (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Binding and Finishing:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon for the crumble base, mixing thoroughly.
3. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
4. Press approximately two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
5. In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fruit is evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle cornstarch over the apple mixture and gently fold to distribute, ensuring apples are well-incorporated with the thickening agent.
7. Whisk egg and vanilla extract together in a small bowl, then fold into the apple filling to help bind the ingredients.
8. Spread the seasoned apple filling uniformly over the prepared crumble base, creating an even layer.
9. Scatter the remaining crumble mixture over the apple layer, allowing some fruit to peek through.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the apple filling becomes bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour to allow bars to set properly.
12. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert out of the pan and slice into squares for serving.

Notes

• Chill butter thoroughly before mixing to achieve that perfect, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour for a celiac-friendly version of these bars.
• Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to add complexity and balance sweetness levels.
• Use a food processor for faster, more consistent crumb formation if you find hand-cutting butter time-consuming.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg