Apple Crumb Bars Recipe

Introduction

Apple crumb bars offer a delightful combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled between buttery crumb layers. Perfect for a cozy dessert or an afternoon treat, these bars are easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (372 g) apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Fuji, Gala, or other)
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, gently packed
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 6 Tbsp (85 g) butter
• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour (stir, spoon, & level)
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (226 g) cold butter, cut into tablespoons
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let the mixture macerate for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan. Add the apple mixture with its juices and cook for about 10 minutes until the apples are fork-tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter one tablespoon at a time while mixing until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
5. Step 5: Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together in large crumbs.
6. Step 6: Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked apples evenly over this crust layer.
7. Step 7: Crumble the remaining dough over the apples as the topping.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–35 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the filling bubbles slightly in the center.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely before using the parchment paper overhang to lift them from the pan. Cut and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a more balanced sweetness and tang.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
• Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or ginger into the apple filling for additional warm spice notes.
• Chill the dough mixture for 10-15 minutes if it feels too soft before pressing it into the pan.

Storage

Store apple crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat individual bars gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore their warm, crumbly texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

While fresh apples yield the best texture, frozen apples can be used if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from becoming soggy?

Cooking the apples before baking helps reduce moisture, and using cold butter in the topping creates a crumbly texture that resists sogginess.

Apple Crumb Bars Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 85 reviews

Delight in these classic Apple Crumb Bars featuring a tender buttery crust, a warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crunchy crumb topping. Perfect for a comforting dessert or snack, these bars combine a luscious apple mixture cooked on the stovetop with a crumbly, baked topping for an irresistible treat.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling:

• 4 cups (372 g) apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Fuji, Gala, other)
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, gently packed
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 6 Tbsp (85 g) butter

Crust and Crumb Topping:

• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, (stir, spoon, & level)
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (226 g) butter, (2 sticks) cold + cut into Tablespoons
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper leaving some overhang on the sides for easy bar removal.
2. Macerate Apples: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss well and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the apples to release their juices.
3. Cook Apple Filling: Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Make Crust and Topping Mixture: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the cold butter tablespoon by tablespoon while mixing, until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
5. Add Egg to Crust Mixture: Add the large egg to the crumb mixture and mix until just combined into large crumbs.
6. Assemble Bars: Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the crust. Then crumble the remaining dough evenly over the top as a crumb topping.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the crumb topping is lightly golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling in the center.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into squares and serve. Store covered at room temperature.

Notes

• Use tart or sweet apples like Fuji or Gala for best flavor and texture.
• Ensure butter is cold before adding to crumbs to achieve a flaky texture.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• These bars keep well at room temperature covered for up to 3 days.

Keywords: apple crumb bars, apple dessert, crumb topping bars, baked apple bars, cinnamon apple bars