Apple Crumb Bars Recipe

If you have a soft spot for desserts that perfectly balance tender, fruity filling with a golden, buttery crumb topping then this Apple Crumb Bars Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Combining sweet, juicy apples with a buttery crust and a crumbly topping, this bar is the perfect cozy treat for any time of year. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a casual afternoon snack, or just because you love the comforting flavors of homemade apple desserts, these bars deliver a crowd-pleasing experience that’s both simple to make and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Crumb Bars Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that delicious balance of texture and flavor. The choice of flour and butter provides the ideal crumbly base, while the apples and fall spices add warmth and brightness, turning simple pantry staples into something truly special.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb texture to the bars.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning the crust.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to lighten the crumb topping.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic apple spice flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes: Key for a flaky, buttery crumb topping and crust.
• 1 large egg: Binds the crumb ingredients together and adds richness.
• 5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced: The star ingredient with a juicy, natural sweetness and tender bite.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and helps thicken the apple filling.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the juicy apple filling so it doesn’t get soggy.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Balances sweetness with brightness and prevents apples from browning.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant depth that complements the apples perfectly.

How to Make Apple Crumb Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it will be hot and ready for baking your bars immediately when assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, which is a small step that makes removing and cutting your bars super easy once cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients upfront ensures the spice and leavening are evenly distributed, giving the crumb base a perfect, balanced flavor.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter and Add Egg

Add the chilled butter cubes and the large egg to your dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to crumble everything together until you get a coarse, crumbly mixture. The chilled butter creates that classic crumbly texture in the crust and topping that makes these bars so delightful.

Step 4: Form the Crust Layer

Press about half of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer will be your buttery crust, so take your time to pack it down firmly for a sturdy base that will hold the scrumptious apple filling perfectly.

Step 5: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a separate bowl, toss together the diced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The cornstarch thickens the apple juices as they cook, while the lemon juice keeps the fruit bright and fresh-tasting, and the vanilla adds a lovely warm note.

Step 6: Add the Apple Layer

Spread your coated apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish, ensuring every bite will have that juicy, tender apple goodness. This filling is the heart of the Apple Crumb Bars Recipe, so be generous and even with your layer.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Crumbles

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apple layer. Press down gently to create an even, cohesive topping that will bake into a golden, buttery crust. This crumb topping adds a wonderful texture contrast to the soft apples underneath.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You will know they’re done when the top shines with a golden brown color and you can see the apples bubbling up through the crumbs. This warm bubbling is the best sign that your Apple Crumb Bars Recipe is ready to cool and be enjoyed.

Step 9: Cool and Cut

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Cooling is key so the filling sets nicely and you get clean, perfect bars for serving.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For a lovely finishing touch, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is also heavenly, melting down the warm crumb topping and apples beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or a creamy cheese plate to balance the sweetness. They also fit in perfectly as a dessert following a hearty fall or winter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving each Apple Crumb Bar on a pretty plate with a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick for garnish. For a rustic feel, serve them on wooden boards or parchment for casual get-togethers. And if you’re gifting, wrap individual bars in parchment with a ribbon for a charming homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Apple Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving for that freshly baked feeling.

Reheating

To bring back their delicious warmth, reheat bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crumb topping crisp and just-right textured.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for the Apple Crumb Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are popular for their tartness and firmness, but feel free to mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?

Yes, you can substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help with texture.

Can I make the crumb topping without an egg?

If you prefer to leave out the egg, you can substitute with a tablespoon of applesauce or yogurt to bind the crumbs. This may slightly change the texture but will still create a lovely topping.

How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Using cornstarch in the apple filling helps thicken the juices. Also, fully pressing the bottom crumb layer helps create a solid crust barrier that protects against sogginess.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without them falling apart?

Make sure the bars are completely cool before cutting. Using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts will help you get neat, even squares that hold together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Bars Recipe is such a delight to make and even better to share. Its wonderful balance of tender apples and crumbly buttery topping truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you give these bars a try soon – they’re just the kind of delicious comfort food that brings everyone together. Happy baking!

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