Apple Crumble Bars

Recipe video above. Tastes like Apple Crumble – in bar form! Shortbread-like base, jammy apple filling, and a crumbly top make these Apple Crumble Bars a delightful treat. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick snack or a dessert for a dinner party, these bars are sure to impress. The combination of buttery crust and sweet apples creates an irresistible flavor that leaves you wanting more.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Apple Crumble Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
• Step 3: Make the Base Mixture
• Step 4: Add the Egg
• Step 5: Form the Base
• Step 6: Bake the Base
• Step 7: Prepare the Apple Filling
• How to Serve Apple Crumble Bars
• With Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Salted Caramel Sauce
• As a Breakfast Treat
• Paired with Fresh Fruit
• At Parties
• How to Perfect Apple Crumble Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Apple Crumble Bars
• Reheating Apple Crumble Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make gluten-free Apple Crumble Bars?
• Can I use other types of apples?
• What if I don’t have rolled oats?
• Can I add nuts to the filling?
• Are Apple Crumble Bars suitable for parties?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Snack: Enjoy them as a handheld treat or elevate them to dessert status with ice cream and caramel sauce.
• Flavorful Delight: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples delivers a warm, comforting taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves 9 to 12 people—ideal for gatherings or family meals.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or add nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your delicious Apple Crumble Bars, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking pan (20cm/8)
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect bar shape.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without spills or mess.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 125g / 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups (300g) flour, plain/all purpose
– 1/2 cup (100g) white sugar
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– 1 egg
– 1/3 cup (30g) rolled oats (Note 1)
– 3 – 4 large granny smith apples, cut into 0.7cm / 1/3 dice (~4 cups)
– 1/4 cup (35g) plain flour, all purpose flour
– 1/4 cup (50g) white sugar
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– Salted caramel sauce
– Ice cream!

How to Make Apple Crumble Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180C/350F. This ensures that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 20cm/8 square pan with butter. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This helps lift the bars out easily once they are cooked.

Step 3: Make the Base Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until no white bits of flour are visible.

Step 4: Add the Egg

Crack an egg into the mixture and stir until fully combined.

Step 5: Form the Base

Lightly press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will create a sturdy base for your apple filling.

Step 6: Bake the Base

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until it’s slightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for about five minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the base is cooling, mix together your apple filling ingredients in another bowl. Once done, you’ll be ready to layer it on top of your baked base!

Now you’re just steps away from enjoying these delightful Apple Crumble Bars!

How to Serve Apple Crumble Bars

Apple crumble bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a simple snack or a more elaborate dessert, these bars can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm apple filling.
• For an extra treat, try caramel or cinnamon ice cream for added flavor.

Drizzled with Salted Caramel Sauce

• A generous drizzle of salted caramel enhances the sweetness and adds richness.
• This combination makes for an irresistible dessert experience.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Enjoy your apple crumble bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet breakfast option.
• They’re also great for a quick on-the-go breakfast when paired with yogurt.

Paired with Fresh Fruit

• Sliced strawberries or berries add freshness and color to your dessert plate.
• A side of sliced bananas pairs well too, offering natural sweetness.

At Parties

• Cut them into smaller squares to create bite-sized treats perfect for gatherings.
• Serve them alongside other desserts for a varied dessert table.

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How to Perfect Apple Crumble Bars

Achieving the perfect apple crumble bars requires attention to detail and a few key techniques. Keep these tips in mind for the best results.

• Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples give just the right balance of tartness and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the mixture before baking helps it hold together better and creates a nice texture.
• Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture in the crust.
• Add spices: A pinch of nutmeg or additional cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Check for doneness: Ensure the topping is golden brown before removing from the oven for optimal crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Bars

Pairing your apple crumble bars with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a soft texture that balances the firmness of the bars.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and contrasts beautifully with the baked flavors.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar complements the sweetness of apples perfectly.
4. Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix brings an extra layer of texture and nutty flavors that pair well with apples.
5. Coffee: A strong cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the overall taste experience.
6. Hot Chocolate: The richness of hot chocolate offers a comforting drink option alongside your sweet snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Crumble Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold butter can lead to a dense base. Always melt the butter for a shortbread-like texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make the bars tough. Mix just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting the bars while they’re still warm can cause them to crumble. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
• Not Measuring Apples Correctly: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accurate apple amounts. Too many apples can make the filling soggy.
• Using Old Spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor significantly. Ensure your cinnamon and nutmeg are fresh for the best taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Crumble Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Crumble Bars

• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Apple Crumble Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 180C/350F and heat bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make gluten-free Apple Crumble Bars?

You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for regular flour in this recipe. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are tart and work well, you can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste.

What if I don’t have rolled oats?

If you don’t have rolled oats, you can substitute with quick oats or omit them entirely, although they add nice texture.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for extra crunch and flavor. Just mix them into the apple filling.

Are Apple Crumble Bars suitable for parties?

Definitely! These bars are easy to serve and perfect as a dessert option at gatherings or parties.

Final Thoughts

Apple Crumble Bars offer a delicious twist on classic apple crumble, making them perfect for snacks or desserts. With their jammy apple filling and crumbly topping, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or different spices based on your preference!