If you love apple pie but want something easier to serve, these Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect solution. With a buttery shortbread base, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a golden crumb topping, these bars combine all the cozy flavors of fall in a handheld dessert.
They’re great for holiday parties, bake sales, or family gatherings, and they travel well—making them a perfect dessert to bring to potlucks. Serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble Topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crust & Topping
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in egg. The mixture will be crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Reserve the other half for the topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
- In another bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the crust.
Step 4: Add the Crumble Topping
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the apples, covering them completely.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Variation
- Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Drizzle caramel sauce over apples before adding topping.
- Nutty Bars: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble mixture.
- Glazed Bars: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after cooling.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend for crust and topping.
- Berry Twist: Add cranberries or raspberries to the apple filling for tart flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith give the best texture.
- Make sure bars cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve plain as a snack or dessert.
- Add vanilla ice cream for an apple pie à la mode feel.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet fall treat.
- Perfect addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert tables.
Tips
- Chill the butter before cutting into flour for the flakiest crumble.
- Use a sharp knife to slice clean squares.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings and bake in a sheet pan.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Info (per bar, approx. 16 servings)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Apple Crumble Bars ahead of time?
- Yes, they store well and taste even better the next day as flavors develop.
Q2: Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes, freeze cooled bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q3: Can I use canned apple pie filling?
- Yes, but homemade apples provide fresher flavor and better texture.
Q4: Do I need to peel the apples?
- Peeling is best for smooth texture, but leaving skins on works if you prefer rustic bars.
Q5: Can I make these in an 8×8-inch pan?
- Yes, but reduce the recipe by half or expect thicker bars with a longer bake time.
Conclusion
These Apple Crumble Bars are buttery, fruity, and full of cozy fall flavors. With a tender crust, gooey apple center, and crumbly topping, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. Simple to make and easy to serve, these bars will quickly become a family favorite for fall baking.