Apple Crumble Bars 🍏
These Apple Crumble Bars are a deliciously easy dessert that combines the flavors of spiced apples with a buttery crumble topping. They are perfect for a cozy fall treat or any time you crave something sweet! Here’s how you can make them:
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4-5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
- 1/4 cup water
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cornstarch (if using), and water. Stir to combine.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples soften and release their juices. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be well-incorporated, but there should still be some larger pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Assemble the Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Press half of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base.
- Spoon the cooled apple filling over the crumble base and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the apple layer, making sure it covers the apples completely.
4. Bake:
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for a crunchy texture.
- Make it ahead: These bars store well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
- For a tangier filling: Use a mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) with a bit less sugar, balancing the sweet topping perfectly.
These Apple Crumble Bars are an irresistible combination of sweet, spiced apples and a buttery crumble that you won’t be able to stop eating. Enjoy! 🍏🍪
