When it comes to fall baking, apple crumb bars strike the perfect balance between cozy comfort and effortless elegance. These bars layer tender, spiced apples with a buttery, crumbly topping, creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether served as a sweet snack or a decadent dessert, they bring the warm flavors of autumn to every bite.
A Treat for Every Occasion
Apple crumb bars are wonderfully versatile. Their hand-held design makes them easy to serve at gatherings, while their rich flavor ensures they’re the star of any dessert table. From casual potlucks to elegant dinners, these bars fit right in, offering a taste of homemade charm that’s hard to resist.
What Sets Them Apart?
The secret to these bars lies in their layers. A sturdy shortbread base provides the perfect foundation, while the apple filling, spiced with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg, brings softness and sweetness. The crowning glory is the crumb topping, which bakes to golden perfection, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
Ingredient Notes
Apple Filling:
- Fresh Apples: The star of the recipe, offering natural sweetness and a tender texture. Use Fuji or Gala for their
- balance of sweetness and firmness.
- Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: Bring warm, caramelized notes that enhance the apple flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the filling and prevents the apples from browning.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a luscious, gooey apple filling.
Crust and Crumb Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour & Baking Powder: Form the base and ensure a tender yet sturdy crust.
- Cold Butter: The key to a crumbly texture, creating both the crust and topping.
- Granulated Sugar & Egg: Provide structure and a touch of sweetness, binding the crust layers together.
Serving Suggestions
Apple crumb bars are delicious on their own, but they also shine when paired with a few extras. Try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert. For a lighter option, enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Tips for the Best Bars
- Use firm apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape during baking and provide a balance of tart and sweet flavors.
- Chill before slicing: Allowing the bars to cool completely makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
- Store properly: Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for days—or freeze them for a longer shelf life.
With their rich layers and comforting flavors, apple crumb bars are a must-bake treat during the fall season. Share them with friends, savor them with family, or enjoy a quiet moment with one all to yourself—no matter how you serve them, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Apple Crumb Bars
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 4 cups 372 gr apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Fuji, Gala, other)
- ½ cup 100 gr brown sugar, gently packed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- 6 tablespoon 85 gr butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 3 cups 360 gr all-purpose flour, (stir, spoon, & level)
- 1 cup 200 gr granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 226 gr butter, (2 sticks) cold + cut into Tablespoons
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the edges for easy lifting later.
Prepare the apples:
- In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to release the juices.
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the apples, including their juices, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender. Let them cool slightly before using.
Make the crust and topping:
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. While the mixer is running, add the cold butter one tablespoon at a time until the mixture forms fine crumbs. Mix in the egg until the dough comes together in large crumbs.
- Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust. Spread the cooked apples evenly on top, then crumble the remaining dough over the apples for the topping.
- Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling slightly in the center.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out for easy cutting and serving. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature. Enjoy!
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