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Apple Crumble Bars

These easy Apple Crumble Bars feature a buttery shortbread-style crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a golden, crumbly topping. They have all the cozy flavor of classic apple pie in an easy-to-slice dessert bar, making them perfect for fall baking, holidays, family gatherings, or everyday treats. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for an irresistible apple dessert.

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 Bats
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Crust & Crumble
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Apple Filling
  • 4 medium apples peeled and thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Optional Glaze
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until a crumbly dough forms.
  4. Set approximately one-third of the mixture aside for the crumble topping.
  5. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  6. Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
  7. Meanwhile, place the sliced apples in a large bowl.
  8. Add brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
  9. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
  10. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the apples without pressing it down.
  11. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
  12. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  13. For cleaner slices, refrigerate the cooled bars for about 1 hour before cutting.
  14. To make the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  15. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes

  • Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Fuji apples work well.
  • For a balanced flavor, combine tart and sweet apple varieties.
  • Slice apples thinly so they cook evenly.
  • Don't skip the flour in the apple filling because it helps absorb excess juices.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing so the filling can set.
  • Refrigerating the bars makes them easier to cut neatly.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze tightly wrapped bars for up to 3 months.