Buttery Apple Crumb Bars with tender cinnamon apples and a golden oat topping—perfect for cozy fall desserts or sweet snacks anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Apple Crumble Bars strike the perfect balance between sweet, spiced, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a holiday party or just a cozy snack for the weekend, here’s why this recipe will become your go-to:

Simple ingredients you likely already have at home

Classic fall flavors in every bite—cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples
Perfect for make-ahead gatherings and potlucks
Easy to slice and serve—no fork or plate required

Customizable with nuts, raisins, or a caramel drizzle
Freezer-friendly for long-term storage
Kid-friendly and ideal for lunchboxes

Great alternative to traditional apple pie
Balanced texture—soft apple filling with a buttery crumble
Versatile for brunch, dessert, or a snack

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
3 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Lightly beat the egg and mix it into the crumb mixture until just combined.
Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

In another bowl, toss the diced apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer.
Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the apples.

Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are soft.
Let cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing into bars.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 12 bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: Approximately 265 kcal per bar

Variations

Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumble topping add crunch
Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

Oats: Add 1/2 cup rolled oats to the topping for extra texture
Caramel drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for a richer flavor
Spices: Add a pinch of clove or allspice for extra warmth

Berry mix-in: Add 1/2 cup of cranberries or raspberries to the apple filling
Maple flavor: Substitute maple syrup for some of the sugar for a deeper taste
Individual servings: Bake in muffin tins for apple crumble cups

Coconut twist: Add shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical flavor
Vegan: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days

Freezer: Freeze bars tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge
Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes for a freshly baked feel

FAQs

How Do I Keep The Crust From Getting Soggy?

Make sure to coat the apples in cornstarch and let the bars cool fully before slicing to avoid excess moisture.

Can I Use Apple Pie Filling Instead?

Yes, but it may make the bars sweeter and softer. Reduce added sugar slightly to balance it.

Do I Have To Peel The Apples?

Peeling is recommended for texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic bar.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I Use A Food Processor For The Crust?

Yes, pulse the dry ingredients with butter until crumbly, then mix in the egg by hand.

What Type Of Apple Works Best?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their balance of tartness and firmness during baking.

How Do I Know When It’s Done Baking?

The top should be golden brown, and the apple filling should be bubbling slightly around the edges.

Can I Serve These Warm?

Yes, they’re delicious warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but let them cool slightly to firm up.

Do They Need To Be Refrigerated?

Not immediately, but for longer freshness, refrigerate after the first day.

Can I Add A Glaze On Top?

Absolutely. A simple powdered sugar glaze or maple glaze adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Conclusion

Apple Crumble Bars offer the best of both worlds: the cozy comfort of an apple pie with the ease of a handheld dessert. With their tender apple filling and buttery crumble top, they’re ideal for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy evening at home. Whether served warm with ice cream or packed in a lunchbox, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy.

More Sweet Bakes and Comforting Treats

If you loved these Apple Crumb Bars, you’re in for a treat with more fruity, buttery, and satisfying desserts. Try our Homemade Blueberry Scones With Sweet Glaze for a bakery-style breakfast favorite. Craving citrus? The Easiest Ever Lemon Curd Bars are bright, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. For something nutty and naturally sweet, don’t miss the Low-Carb Greek Yogurt Almond Cake. Looking for low-cal indulgence? Our Low Effort Pineapple Juice Cake Under 250 Calories hits all the right notes. And for a chocolatey twist, the Mini Snickers Cheesecakes are an irresistible bite-sized dessert.

Apple Crumble Bars

Author: Chef Clara

Print Recipe

Description

Buttery, cinnamon-spiced apple crumble bars layered with tender apples and a golden oat topping—perfect for cozy afternoons or fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 large egg
3 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugars, and cinnamon.

Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Beat the egg lightly and mix it into the crumb mixture until just combined.
Press two-thirds of the dough mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

In another bowl, toss the diced apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Crumble the remaining dough over the apples.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into bars.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.

Letting the bars cool completely helps them firm up for easier slicing.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.