These Apple Crumble Bars combine the best part of an apple pie with delicious buttery sugar crumbs. They have warm cinnamon spices, apples, and sweet sugar in every bite. They are the perfect balance of warm, cozy, and tart all in one.
When I think of bliss fall baking, I think of these bars. They remind me of all the things I love about apple pie, but are so much easier to bake.
The buttery shortbread-like base comes together in a few easy steps. It bakes to golden perfection, and then is topped with cinnamon-spiced apples. Everything gets layered and back into the oven it goes - the smell of apples and cinnamon fills the air and there is truly nothing better.
I love that the base and the topping are the same - making for minimal clean up and faster crumble bars!
Whether it's for a Thanksgiving dessert, or a cozy autumn weekend bake, these Apple Crumble Bars are always a good idea.
Step by step instructions
Here is how to make and bake these apple crumble bars. You will need a 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper, 2 mixing bowls, and a spatula.
Step 1 - Make the crumb. In a large bowl, add softened butter, flour, white sugar, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Using your hands, mix it all together until combined (see photos and video for reference). Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the crumb for the topping.
Step 2 - Bake the base. Add the rest of the crumbs into the prepared pan and press it down well but not super firm, and up slightly along the sides. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 3 - Make the apple filling. As the base bakes, make the apple filling. In a small bowl, mix together the white sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Then, grate the apples using the fine side of the grater. Add the dry mixture into the apples and stir around.
Step 4 - Layer. Once the base has been baked, remove from the oven and add the apple filling on top, leaving about 1 cm of a border from the sides. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb on top.
Step 5 - Bake. Place the bars back into the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Mine took 50. You'll know they're ready when the top is a golden brown colour.
Step 6 - Cool. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. If you slice them warm, they will fall apart. They will still be delicious though!
FAQ
What kind of apples work best?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith work best. I find they hold their shape and balance the sweetness well. You can use any kind of apples.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for a softer texture, but it definitely isn't necessary. If you like more of a chew and don't mind the apple skin texture, you can leave it on.
How do I store these bars?
These apple crumb bars are best served within the first two days. Any remainders can go in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I add more sugar?
Yes. The base of these bars is not sweet. If you want it to be sweeter, add 1/3 (66g) cup of white sugar into the base instead of 1/4.
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Apple Crumble Bars
Ingredients
For the base/topping
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp vanilla optional
For the apples
- 5 medium-sized apples 3-4 large, I used Granny Smith, shredded on the thin side of grater
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉/190℃. Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper and gently grease the other sides and set aside.
- In a bowl, add flour, white sugar, salt, baking powder, and softened butter. Mix together with your hands until a crumbly base forms. Set aside 1 1/2 cups for the topping and stick it in the fridge.3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp vanilla
- With the remaining topping, sprinkle it into the bottom of the pan. Press it down well but not super firmly, along the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- As the base bakes, make the apple filling. Grate the apples on the thin side of the grater. Then in a small bowl, add cornstarch, white sugar, and cinnamon. Stir together to combine. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the grated apples, and stir around to evenly coat them.5 medium-sized apples, 2 tbsp white sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Once the base is baked, remove from the oven. Add the apples evenly on top, then sprinkle with remaining crumb. Place back into the oven for 45-55 minutes or until the crumb begins to turn a golden brown colour.
- Allow to cool completely, dust with powdered sugar (optional), then slice and serve! If sliced into while warm, they will fall apart (still delicious though!)
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