Apple Crumble Bars

Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect blend of comfort and convenience — all the cozy flavors of apple pie, wrapped up in a handheld treat. Buttery, crumbly, and packed with juicy cinnamon-spiced apples, these bars are a must for fall baking or anytime you crave a sweet, homey dessert. Forget the pie crust fuss — these bars come together easily and deliver that same warm, nostalgic satisfaction in every bite.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No rolling or fancy pastry work — just mix, layer, and bake.
• Simple Ingredients: Everyday pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and apples.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or a cozy weekend treat.
• Irresistible Flavor: The buttery crumble, tart apples, and hint of cinnamon create a balance that’s sweet but not overly rich.
• Customizable: Add nuts, drizzle with caramel, or top with ice cream for an indulgent twist.

Each bite tastes like a warm hug — familiar, comforting, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Ingredients Needed

For the Base & Crumble Topping:

• 125g (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the Crumble Topping (add-on):

• ⅓ cup (30g) rolled oats — adds texture and a rustic touch

For the Apple Filling:

• 3–4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into ⅓-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
• ¼ cup (35g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Serving:

• Salted caramel sauce, for drizzling (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

How to Make Apple Crumble Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides — this makes it easy to lift the bars out later.

Step 2: Make the Base Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Pour in the melted butter and egg, mixing until the dough starts to clump and no dry streaks of flour remain. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the surface turns lightly golden. This partial bake helps the crust hold up under the juicy apple filling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the base cools, toss the diced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. This coating thickens the juices as the apples bake, ensuring a perfectly gooey layer that doesn’t leak.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

Add the rolled oats to the remaining dough mixture. Use your fingers or a wooden spoon to gently combine — the oats give the topping a lovely texture and golden crunch.

Step 6: Assemble the Bars

Spread the apple filling evenly over the baked base.
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, pinching some of it into clusters for that classic crumbly look.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the apple layer is bubbling at the edges.
Cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once cooled, cut into bars. Serve them plain for a snack, or go all out with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve Warm or Cold: Enjoy them warm with ice cream or at room temperature for easy snacking.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked and cooled bars (without toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat briefly before serving.
• Reheating Tip: Warm in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes to revive that freshly baked texture.

Helpful Notes

• Apple Choice: Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape best, but you can mix in sweeter varieties for balance.
• Add a Twist: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the base and apple filling a day ahead — just assemble and bake when ready.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan version.

Conclusion

These Apple Crumble Bars are everything you love about homemade apple pie — buttery, sweet, and warmly spiced — in an easy, shareable form. Perfect for cozy weekends, bake sales, or a dessert that wows with minimal effort.

If you try this recipe, leave a star rating and a comment below to share how it turned out!
And don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest or share it with your friends — they’ll thank you later.

What’s your favorite twist on crumble bars? Let me know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes! While Granny Smith apples give a nice tart balance, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for a sweeter flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely — just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by about 10 minutes.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but if you like a bit of chew and rustic charm, leave them unpeeled.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

They freeze very well! Wrap cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.