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Apple Crumble Bars

Apple Crumble Bars

These Apple Crumble Bars capture all the cozy flavors of apple pie in an easy, handheld dessert. With a buttery base, juicy cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and golden oat crumble topping, they’re the perfect fall treat for potlucks, bake sales, or weekend baking.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base & Crumble Topping
  • 125 g unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
For the Crumble Topping (add-on)
  • 0.33 cup rolled oats adds texture and rustic touch
For the Apple Filling
  • 4 cups Granny Smith apples peeled and diced into ⅓-inch cubes
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
For Serving (optional)
  • Salted caramel sauce for drizzling
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
    Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: Make the Base Mixture
    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter and egg, mixing until the dough clumps together and resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Step 3: Bake the Base
    Press two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
    In a bowl, toss diced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
    Add rolled oats to the remaining dough and mix gently until combined to create a crumbly texture.
  6. Step 6: Assemble the Bars
    Spread apple filling evenly over the baked base. Sprinkle crumble mixture on top, pinching some into clusters.
  7. Step 7: Bake Until Golden
    Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Cool completely in the pan.
  8. Step 8: Slice and Serve
    Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve plain or with caramel sauce and ice cream.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best results, or mix with sweeter varieties. Add nuts or a caramel drizzle for extra indulgence. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).