Apple Crumble Bars Easy Dessert Recipe

The ultimate cozy treat made simple!

Looking for the perfect crowd-pleaser that comes together in a flash? These Apple Crumble Bars are a total game-changer for busy home bakers. Featuring a buttery shortbread base, a spiced tart apple filling, and a golden streusel topping, they capture all the nostalgia of a classic apple pie without the hassle of a tricky crust. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or a simple weeknight treat, these bars offer that gooey, comforting texture everyone craves. You will love how easy they are to slice, share, and store for later. Get ready to fill your home with the heavenly scent of cinnamon and caramelized fruit! 🍎

📝 Ingredients List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• 9×9 inch square baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Paring knife
• Vegetable peeler
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry blender or fork
• Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the mixture into a crumbly dough. 🥣
3. Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a solid base.
4. In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
5. Layer the spiced apples over the shortbread base, then sprinkle the remaining crumbs over the top.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Let them cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, perfect bars! ✨

💡 Pro Tips Section

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Substitutions: If you are out of Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp or Braeburn varieties work beautifully as a firmer substitute.
• Serving: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.

Variations

Feel free to add half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for an extra satisfying crunch.

FAQ

Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Do I need to peel the apples? It is recommended for a better texture, though leaving the skins on adds a nice rustic touch if you prefer.

Apple Crumble Bars

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• Author: Samantha Jones
• Total Time: 55
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Apple Crumble Bars are the ultimate cozy treat, featuring a buttery shortbread base, a spiced tart apple filling, and a perfect golden streusel topping. They capture the nostalgic warmth of apple pie without the hassle of a traditional crust. Ideal for busy home bakers, these bars are easy to slice and share, making them a crowd-pleaser for brunches or weeknight desserts. Enjoy the heavenly scent of cinnamon and caramelized fruit in every bite, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the mixture until it becomes a crumbly dough.
Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a solid base.
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
Layer the spiced apple mixture over the shortbread base.
Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture over the top of the apples.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for clean, perfect servings.

Notes

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Substitutions: If you are out of Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp or Braeburn varieties work beautifully as a firmer substitute.
Serving: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 40
• Category: Recipes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg