Name: Apple Crumble Bars
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Flour (spelt, white, or oat); 1.5 tsp Cinnamon; 3/4 tsp Baking Powder; 1/4 tsp Salt; 2/3 cups Sugar (or coconut sugar); 3/4 cup Butter (or coconut oil or almond butter); 3 tbsp Milk (of choice or additional butter); 3.25 cups Diced Apple ((2 large or 3 medium)); 1 tbsp Cornstarch (or arrowroot); 2 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup (or sweetener of choice)

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There’s something truly special about the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, and that’s exactly what you’ll experience with these Apple Crumble Bars. I remember the first time I made these delightful treats; it was a crisp autumn day, and I wanted to create a dessert that captured the essence of the season. As I sliced into the warm, crumbly bars, I was transported back to family gatherings where we would indulge in similar desserts, each bite sparking memories of laughter and togetherness. These bars are not only a comforting dessert but also a wonderful way to share the flavors of fall with friends and family.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
50 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
50 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
220 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Baking Sheet, Cutting Board, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Oven

What You’ll Enjoy About This Apple Crumble Bars

Comfort in Every Bite

When I think of comfort food, these Apple Crumble Bars always come to mind. The combination of sweet, tender apples enveloped in a buttery, crumbly topping is pure bliss. Every bite is a delightful mixture of textures and flavors that make you feel right at home. It’s the kind of dessert that brings warmth to chilly evenings.

Quick and Easy to Make

One of the things I love about these bars is how simple they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family and friends. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Sharing

These bars are an ideal dessert for gatherings, whether it’s a fall potluck or a cozy family dinner. They are easy to cut into portions and serve, making them a hit at any occasion. Plus, they travel well, so you can take them along to share with others!

Customizable to Your Taste

Another reason to love these Apple Crumble Bars is the versatility they offer. You can easily adjust the sweetness or add in your favorite nuts or spices. Want to make it a bit more decadent? Consider adding a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of ice cream on the side.

A True Fall Favorite

What makes these bars even more special is their connection to the fall season. With fresh apples in abundance, there’s no better time to enjoy this recipe. Each bite is a celebration of the harvest, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy while savoring the beauty of autumn.

Ingredients to Make Apple Crumble Bars

The ingredients for these Apple Crumble Bars come together beautifully, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. At the heart of this recipe are the sweet, juicy apples that provide a delicious contrast to the rich, buttery crumble. Each element plays a crucial role, from the warm spices to the creamy butter, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience.

2 cups flour (spelt, white, or oat): This is the base of our crumble, giving it structure and a delightful texture.
1.5 tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that adds depth and a cozy flavor profile.
3/4 tsp baking powder: This helps the bars rise slightly, ensuring they’re not too dense.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness of the apples and sugar.
2/3 cup sugar or coconut sugar: Sweetens the bars, creating a lovely contrast with the tartness of the apples.
3/4 cup butter or coconut oil: Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3 tbsp milk of choice or additional butter: Adds moisture to the dough.
3.25 cups diced apples (2 large or 3 medium): The star of the recipe; they bring juiciness and flavor.
1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot: Helps thicken the filling, binding the moisture from the apples.
2 tbsp pure maple syrup or sweetener of choice: Adds additional sweetness and a hint of flavor.

How to Prepare Apple Crumble Bars

Making Apple Crumble Bars is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of these scrumptious bars!

Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C). This ensures that the bars bake evenly and develop a lovely golden color.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the first five ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and sugar. The mixture should be well-combined and crumbly.
Next, cut in the butter or stir in the coconut oil until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crumble texture.
If you’re using oil or unsalted butter, add an additional 1/4 tsp of salt to maintain flavor balance.
Press about 2/3 of the dough firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper. This will act as the base for your bars.
In another bowl, toss the diced apples with cornstarch and maple syrup. The cornstarch helps absorb the juices from the apples, preventing a soggy bottom.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust, ensuring every bite has a taste of that sweet filling.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble dough over the top of the apples and press it down gently. This creates a nice, even topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly.
Let the bars cool in the pan for a bit before slicing them into squares. If you’ve used coconut oil, chilling the bars before cutting will help achieve cleaner slices.

Things Worth Knowing

Using Fresh Apples: Choose apples that are firm and crisp, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for the best texture and flavor.
Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting will improve their structure and prevent crumbling.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the butter sit at room temperature for a bit before using, making it easier to incorporate into the dry ingredients.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.

Customization Ideas

These Apple Crumble Bars are incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your personal touch. Here are some fun customization ideas to make them your own:

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Pairing: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumble for added crunch.
Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins into the apple filling for extra sweetness and texture.

What Complements This Apple Crumble Bars

When serving Apple Crumble Bars, there are plenty of delightful options to consider, perfect for any occasion:

Warm Beverages: Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
Seasonal Events: These bars are perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy holiday parties.
Fruit Salad: A side of fresh fruit salad can brighten up the dessert table and balance the richness of the bars.
Cheese Plate: Serve alongside a cheese plate with mild cheeses to create an interesting contrast of flavors.
Picnics: Pack these bars for a picnic; they’re easy to transport and always a hit!

FAQ

Absolutely! While I recommend using firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture, feel free to experiment with your favorite types. Just remember that some apples are sweeter than others, so you may want to adjust the sugar level accordingly.

You can store leftover Apple Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. They can also be frozen by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag.

Yes! You can easily make Apple Crumble Bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that your other ingredients, such as baking powder and oats, are also gluten-free. The flavor will still be delicious!

These bars are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair well with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful snack.

Conclusion

These Apple Crumble Bars truly capture the essence of fall with their warm flavors and comforting textures. I encourage you to try making them; they’re not just a treat but a way to create cherished memories with loved ones. Enjoy every delicious bite!