Description
Warm, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon-kissed apples — these Apple Crumb Bars taste just like Grandma used to make!
Each bite brings layers of flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and a golden crumb topping that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy fall evenings, holiday gatherings, or a sweet afternoon snack with coffee.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup packed brown sugar
4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat & Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crust & Crumble
In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Reserve about 1½ cups of the crumb mixture for the topping, and press the rest evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Prepare the Apple Filling
In another bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
Assemble & Bake
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top to create a delicious golden topping.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and apples are tender.
Cool & Serve
Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Serve as-is or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure comfort!
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 50 mins | Total: 1 hr 10 mins
Calories: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 bars
Tips:
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for that perfect sweet-tangy balance.
Keep your butter cold to achieve the best crisp, flaky crumb topping.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bars. First, ensure all ingredients are measured and your apples are prepped. For the crust, cutting in the cold butter is crucial; stop when the mixture resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized pieces. When pressing the base layer into the pan, use the bottom of a measuring cup for an even, compact layer. For the filling, slice apples uniformly about 1/4-inch thick for even cooking. After assembling, bake on the center rack and rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are versatile. For an elegant dessert, serve a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a brunch treat, dust with powdered sugar. Pair with a hot cup of spiced chai, strong coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also make a wonderful packaged gift during the holidays.
How-to Summary
In summary: Mix dry ingredients, cut in cold butter for crumbs. Press most into a pan for the crust. Toss sliced apples with sugar and spices. Layer apples over crust, top with reserved crumbs. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until golden. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple? Yes. While Granny Smith offers tartness, Honeycrisp or Braeburn are excellent for a sweeter, softer filling.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for reliable results.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
My crumb topping melted together. What happened? This usually means the butter was too warm. Ensure your butter is very cold and avoid over-mixing after adding it.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance? You can prepare the crumb mixture and apple filling separately, refrigerate them overnight, and assemble just before baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using room temperature butter, which leads to a greasy, melted crust instead of a flaky crumb.
- Not letting the bars cool completely before cutting, which causes them to fall apart.
- Over-mixing the dough, which develops gluten and makes the crust tough.
- Cutting the apple slices too thick, resulting in a crunchy, undercooked filling.
- Overbaking, which dries out the bars. Remove them when the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
Conclusion
These Apple Crumb Bars are the essence of homestyle baking, combining simplicity with deeply satisfying flavor. With a crisp crust, spiced apple center, and buttery topping, they are a timeless treat perfect for any occasion. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently achieve bakery-quality results. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home, evoking warm memories with every delicious bite.