Apple Crumble Bars

Apple Crumble Bars are everything I love about classic apple crumble, but in a handheld, sliceable form. With a buttery shortbread-style crust, a sweet spiced apple filling, and a crumbly golden topping, these bars are perfect for dessert, snacking, or even a cozy breakfast treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings all the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie with half the effort. There’s no rolling or fussing with pie dough—just layer, bake, and slice. The balance of soft apples and crisp topping is irresistible, and it travels well, which makes it a go-to for potlucks, parties, or lunchbox treats. I also like how easy it is to adapt with seasonal fruits or spices.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust and crumble topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the apple filling:

• 3 cups peeled and diced apples (I like to use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. To make the crust and topping, I mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Then I stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
3. I press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. I bake it for 10 minutes to set.
4. While the crust bakes, I toss the diced apples with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until they’re evenly coated.
5. I spread the apple mixture over the partially baked crust. Then I crumble the remaining dough over the apples.
6. I return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
7. I let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 bars, depending on how I cut them. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 10 minutes for the initial crust bake, and another 35–40 minutes to finish baking—so I plan for just over an hour total, plus cooling time.

Variations

I’ve swapped out the apples for pears, added a handful of cranberries for tartness, or stirred chopped walnuts into the topping for extra crunch. Sometimes I drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled bars for a sweeter finish, or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

storage/reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. They also freeze beautifully—I wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, I warm a bar in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if I want that just-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

I prefer fresh apples for better texture, but if I’m in a pinch, canned filling works. I just use a little less to avoid making the bars too wet.

What type of apples work best?

I like to use tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart ones like Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and give a nice balance to the sweetness of the bars.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, I peel them for a softer, more pleasant texture in the filling. Unpeeled apples can make the bars a little chewy.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve made them with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and they came out great. I just make sure the blend has xanthan gum or another binder.

Can I serve these warm?

Absolutely. While they hold together best when cooled, I sometimes warm them slightly and serve with ice cream or whipped cream for dessert.

Conclusion

Apple Crumble Bars are the ultimate comfort treat—easy to make, easy to share, and full of cozy fall flavors. I love how they combine a soft apple filling with a buttery, crumbly crust in every bite. Whether I’m baking them for a crowd or just to satisfy a craving, they always hit the spot.

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