Apple Crumble Bars

I still remember the first time I baked these Apple Crumble Bars—it was a crisp October afternoon, and the scent of cinnamon and baked apples filled the whole house. I had a few apples sitting on the counter, a craving for pie, and very little time to make it happen.

That’s when I decided to try layering those warm apple pie vibes into a bar—and wow, it worked. These bars have it all: a buttery shortbread base, a soft spiced apple filling, and a golden crumble topping that’s simply addictive.

They’re easier than a full pie, portable for sharing, and just as comforting. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, hosting friends for coffee, or cozying up with a blanket and tea, these bars are your new go-to fall treat. Every bite tastes like autumn, and I promise—one slice won’t be enough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings all the comfort of apple pie in an easier, more portable format. It’s simple to make, easy to slice, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any fall gathering.

• Classic apple pie flavor without the fuss of a crust.
• Buttery shortbread base + crunchy crumble top = magic.
• Cozy spices, soft apples, and just the right amount of sweetness.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly.
• Perfect for snacks, potlucks, or dessert with coffee.

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Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for both the crust/crumble and the soft apple filling. Most of these are pantry staples!

For the crust & crumble (same dough):

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

For the apple filling:

• 3 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple, reliable steps to make perfect apple crumble bars. Each stage is designed to bring out the best buttery texture and warm apple flavor.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the crust/crumble dough: In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, both sugars, flour, cinnamon, and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Form the crust: Press 2/3 of the dough firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Set aside the rest for the crumble topping.
4. Par-bake the crust: Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Prepare the apple filling: In a bowl, toss together diced apples, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice.
6. Assemble the bars: Evenly spread the apple mixture over the warm crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the top, letting bits of apple peek through.
7. Bake again: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
8. Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan. Chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours for cleaner slicing.
9. Slice & serve: Use parchment to lift the bars out and cut into squares or rectangles.

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 Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Crumble Bars

These expert tips will help you get bakery-style results every time. From ingredient prep to slicing tips, small details make a big difference.

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a better flavor contrast.
• Finely dice the apples so they soften quickly and evenly during baking.
• Chill the bars before slicing for clean, neat cuts.
• Toast a handful of oats or chopped nuts and mix into the crumble for extra texture.
• Bars stay fresh in the fridge up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

❓ FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! Pears work great, as do firm berries like blueberries. Just adjust the sugar slightly depending on the fruit’s sweetness.

2. What’s the best apple to use for this recipe?
Granny Smith is a top choice because of its tartness, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji also work well.

3. Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but if you prefer a rustic look and don’t mind some chew, you can leave the skins on.

4. Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, slice, and wrap tightly before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

6. How do I get clean slices?
Chill the bars in the fridge for 1–2 hours before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice.