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Close-up of a warm apple crumb bar topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce.

Apple Crumble Bars


  • Author: Chef Clara

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


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugars, and cinnamon.
  3. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Beat the egg lightly and mix it into the crumb mixture until just combined.
  5. Press two-thirds of the dough mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  6. In another bowl, toss the diced apples with cornstarch, lemon juice, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
  7. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
  8. Crumble the remaining dough over the apples.
  9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
  10. 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.