Apple Crumb Bars

Welcome to the world of Apple Crumb Bars, where sweet and tart flavors come together. This recipe features tender apples under a buttery, crunchy crumble. It’s a great dessert for any gathering or a cozy afternoon.

In this article, you’ll find step-by-step guides, tips, and variations to make your desserts stand out. So, get ready to bake these delicious bars that everyone will adore!

The Perfect Apple Crumb Bars Recipe

If you’re ready to indulge in a delicious treat, this recipe for apple crumb bars delivers flavors that you’ll love. First, gather your ingredients for apple bars. Then, follow simple baking instructions that make this dessert a breeze to whip up. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or just want a sweet snack, these bars make a perfect choice.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

the Apple Filling:

• 4 cups diced apples (about 4 medium apples, peeled and cored)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

the Crumb Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the apples to release their juices.
3. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked shortbread crust.

3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
2. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling.

4: Bake and Cool

1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Servings and Storing

Servings

This recipe makes 12-16 bars, depending on how large you cut them. These bars are rich and satisfying, making them perfect for sharing!

Storing

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to a week for a firmer texture.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.

Tips for Perfect Apple Crumb Bars

• Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It enhances the apple flavor and prevents browning.
• Chill Before Slicing: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Conclusion

If you love apple pie, these Apple Crumb Bars will be your new favorite dessert! With their rich, buttery layers and warm spiced apple filling, they’re perfect for holiday baking, potlucks, or just a sweet afternoon treat. Bake a batch today and enjoy every crumbly, caramelized bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

Yes! You can substitute 2 cups of canned apple pie filling if you’re short on time.

2. What’s the best way to reheat these bars?

Warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave individual bars for 20-30 seconds.

3. Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch.

4. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Baking the shortbread crust first helps keep it firm. Also, using firm apples prevents excess moisture.

5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in both the crust and crumble topping.

Apple Crumb Bars

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• Author: Diana Carrozza
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Apple Crumb Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a golden crumb topping—a perfect dessert for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 cups diced apples (about 4 medium apples, peeled and cored)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Crumb Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the apples to release their juices.
3. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked shortbread crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
2. Stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Notes

• Can be stored at room temp for 3 days or refrigerated for 1 week.
• Try swapping apples for pears or berries for a different flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Apple crumb bars, apple bars, apple dessert, easy fall dessert, homemade apple bars