Description
If you love apple pie but want something easier and more portable, these Apple Crumb Bars are for you! They have a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crunchy crumb topping—everything you love about apple desserts in a handheld, easy-to-make bar.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust & Crumb Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (prevents browning and enhances flavor)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (thickens the filling)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust & Crumb Topping
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add cold cubed butter and vanilla extract, then use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Set the remaining half aside for the crumb topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until well coated.
- Evenly spread the apple mixture over the crust.
Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping & Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are soft.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Easy & Delicious: These Apple Crumb Bars are a simple, handheld version of classic apple pie.
- Perfect Texture: A buttery shortbread crust, soft cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and crunchy crumb topping.
- Customizable: Easily make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower in sugar with simple swaps.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: They taste even better the next day, making them great for meal prep or holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Fall Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 12 bars)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg