Save Irresistibly buttery bars featuring a tender apple filling and a golden, crumbly topping—perfect for snacking or dessert.
This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years especially during fall when apples are fresh and sweet.
Ingredients
- Crust and Crumble: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Apple Filling: 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 cups), 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and vanilla extract. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Step 3:
- Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the crumble topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust.
- Step 4:
- In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Step 5:
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 38–42 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Step 8:
- Let bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing.
Save I love watching my kids enjoy these bars fresh from the oven during family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
Storage
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer keeping.
Variations
Try adding a handful of raisins to the apple filling or swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
Save These apple crumble bars are an easy dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of apples work best?
Using a mix of tart and sweet apples provides depth and balance of flavor in the filling.
- → Can I add nuts to the bars?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be stirred into the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- → How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Pressing the crust firmly and baking until golden ensures it remains crisp under the filling and crumble.
- → What is the best way to cut the bars?
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean, neat pieces.
- → Can these bars be served warm?
Yes, they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, often paired perfectly with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.