Delightful Apple Crumb Bars Recipe – A Crave-Worthy Fall Favorite in 7 Simple Steps

Welcome, friend! Today, I’m sharing a dessert that feels like a cozy hug from your favorite aunt—Apple Crumb Bars. These bars are buttery, crumbly, and filled with juicy spiced apples. They’re the kind of treat that disappears before they’ve even cooled down. I’m so glad you’re here to bake them with me! ❤️

P.S. If you love homemade desserts, be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a new recipe drop!

Overview of Recipe Content

These Apple Crumb Bars are an effortless twist on apple pie—perfect for fall gatherings, school bake sales, or lazy Sunday afternoons. They’re a cross between a pie and a cookie bar, and trust me, they’re as delightful as that sounds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy to make with pantry staples
• No rolling pin required
• Sweet, spiced filling with a tender, crumbly top
• Freezer-friendly and great for gifting

What It Tastes Like:

Each bite has layers—flaky crust, gooey apple-cinnamon center, and golden crumb topping. It’s like if your grandma’s apple pie married a buttery shortbread.

Health/Nutritional Perks:

While this is a treat, it does bring the goodness of apples—fiber, vitamin C, and a little nostalgia boost too.

Ingredients:

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For the crust and crumb topping:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg

For the filling:

• 5 cups peeled and diced apples
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Tools You’ll Need:

• 9×13” baking pan
• Large and medium mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter (or fork/food processor)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Spatula
• Knife and peeler

Suggested Substitutions & Additions:

• Use brown sugar in place of white for deeper flavor.
• Try a mix of apples—Granny Smith + Honeycrisp is my favorite.
• Add ½ cup oats or chopped nuts to the crumb topping for crunch.
• Stir in a splash of lemon juice or orange zest to brighten the filling.

How to Make Apple Crumb Bars

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment.
2. Make the crust and topping: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add cold butter and cut in with a pastry blender (or two forks) until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg.
3. Form the crust: Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Make the filling: In another bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let sit for 5 minutes to draw out juices.
5. Assemble: Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Crumble the reserved topping over the apples.
6. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, then check and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
7. Cool completely before slicing—trust me, it’s worth the wait! They slice beautifully once set.

And oh my goodness—the aroma in your kitchen will be heavenly!

What to Serve with Apple Crumb Bars

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
• A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce
• Hot cider, cinnamon tea, or a strong coffee
• Dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use cold butter—this keeps the crust tender and crumbly.
• Dice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t skip the cooling time—these bars firm up beautifully after an hour.
• Want neater slices? Chill the whole pan before cutting.
• Store parchment under your crust—it makes lifting and slicing so much easier.

Storage Instructions

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.
• In the Fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
• To Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm up before serving.

General Information

Apple crumb bars are inspired by traditional American apple pie, but with half the effort. You’ll find versions of these bars in Amish baking, Midwestern potlucks, and every cozy family recipe binder. I love them because they don’t require a pie crust—just buttery crumbs top to bottom!

Frequently Asked Questions

What apples work best?
I love a mix—tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp. Fuji and Pink Lady are great too.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?
You can in a pinch, but fresh is best! Canned is sweeter and less textured.

Can I add oats to the topping?
Absolutely—add ½ cup old-fashioned oats to the crumb for a heartier bar.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, for a crowd use a sheet pan and double everything.

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Conclusion

These Apple Crumb Bars are buttery, sweet, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re baking for friends or a quiet Sunday, they bring joy in every slice. If you loved this recipe, try these next:

• Cocoa Shortbread Cookies – Rich & Buttery
• Blissful Caramel Banana Bread

Thanks so much for stopping by my kitchen! Can’t wait to see your crumb bars—tag me on Pinterest at PoulefRecipe so I can share your bakes!

Interactive Elements

Did you try these bars? Leave a review or comment below!
Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest—let’s share the love. 💛

Nutritional Information (per bar – makes 12)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~280 kcal
Carbohydrates	~40g
Sugar	~20g
Protein	~3g
Fat	~11g
Saturated Fat	~6g
Fiber	~2g

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