Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars combine the sweet, tart flavor of apples with a buttery, cinnamon-infused crumble topping, creating a dessert that’s comforting, flavorful, and irresistible. These bars are a perfect treat for fall, though they can be enjoyed year-round, thanks to their balance of warm spices and the refreshing bite of apples. The combination of soft, cinnamon-scented apples and a crisp, crumbly topping makes for a satisfying dessert that’s as perfect for a cozy afternoon as it is for a party platter or a homemade gift.

These bars are also highly versatile—whether you prefer a more indulgent dessert or a lighter treat, the recipe can be adapted to suit your taste. The best part? They’re easy to make, requiring no special equipment or techniques. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a tray of these delightful bars ready to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet apples combined with the warmth of cinnamon and the slight tanginess of lemon create a flavor profile that’s universally loved. Every bite of these bars has just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
• Delicious Texture: These bars have a soft, tender apple filling that’s contrasted by a golden, crunchy crumble topping. The contrasting textures make for a delightful experience with every bite.
• Versatile Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars are versatile in terms of ingredients and toppings. You can use different varieties of apples or even mix in a handful of nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are great for everything from a fall dessert at Thanksgiving to a light snack for breakfast or brunch. They’re also easy to pack for a picnic or enjoy with a cup of tea.
• Simple Ingredients, Easy to Make: The recipe requires just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and the steps are straightforward, making it a great option for beginner bakers or anyone looking to make something quick and delicious.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 16 bars
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per bar, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 18-20g

Ingredients

For the Crumble Bars:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:

• 3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples work well)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crumble Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Set it aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will provide the base for your crumble topping.

Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, your hands, or a fork, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, you can use a food processor for a quicker method. The mixture should be crumbly with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Stir in the brown sugar.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until combined. The dough should come together in clumps. Set the crumble mixture aside.

2. Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling

In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Then, add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and cornstarch. Stir until the apples are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, keeping it from being too runny.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should soften slightly but still hold their shape. The sugar will dissolve, and the mixture will start to thicken.

Once the apples have cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. This filling will form the sweet, spiced layer inside the bars.

3. Assemble the Bars

Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm, even layer. This will form the base of your bars.

Next, spoon the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the crumble base, spreading it out into a single layer. Be sure to cover the entire surface, allowing the apples to form the heart of the bars.

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the apples. It doesn’t need to cover the apples completely; leaving some apple peeking through will give the bars a rustic, appealing look.

4. Bake the Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the bars during the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure the topping doesn’t burn.

If the edges begin to brown too quickly, you can cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the center is fully set.

Once the bars are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Cutting them while they are still warm may cause them to fall apart, so it’s best to wait until they have fully cooled before slicing.

5. Slice and Serve

Once the bars have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. Depending on the size you prefer, you should get around 16 bars. Serve them as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars

• Use Firm Apples: When selecting apples for this recipe, choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. These varieties hold up well when baked and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Customize the Topping: If you prefer a more decadent crumble topping, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. These will add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Corntarch: The cornstarch in the filling helps to thicken the apple mixture so that it doesn’t become too runny while baking. Make sure to stir it in evenly to achieve the perfect consistency.
• Chill the Butter: For a flakier, more crumbly topping, ensure that the butter is cold when incorporating it into the flour mixture. Cold butter results in a crispier crumble that holds up nicely.
• Add a Drizzle of Caramel or Icing: For extra indulgence, drizzle the cooled bars with a bit of caramel sauce or a simple icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
• Make-Ahead Option: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
• Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For a truly decadent dessert, serve these Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Variations of Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars

• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the crumble topping. This adds a rich, buttery sweetness that enhances the apple flavor.
• Apple Pear Cinnamon Crumble Bars: Mix in some ripe pears with the apples for a more complex flavor. Pears add a delicate sweetness that complements the cinnamon and apple.
• Vegan Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the regular egg.
• Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars: For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure the oats you use are certified gluten-free.
• Spiced Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars: Add extra spices such as cloves, allspice, or ginger to the apple filling for a more aromatic, spicy flavor that’s perfect for the fall season.
• Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars with Streusel Topping: Instead of a simple crumble topping, add a streusel topping by mixing in brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly, then sprinkle it on top before baking. This creates a denser, more luxurious topping.

Storage and Shelf Life

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. Keep the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week.

For longer storage, these bars freeze well. To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars

These Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with complementary treats:

• Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced bars.
• Chai Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these bars with a cup of spiced chai tea or your favorite coffee. The warm beverage complements the cinnamon flavor and creates a cozy, comforting pairing.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad with berries, citrus, or pomegranate seeds balances the sweetness of the bars and adds a burst of freshness.
• Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some rich caramel sauce over the bars before serving.

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Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars bring together the comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and a crumbly topping in a simple, yet indulgent dessert. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a weekend treat, or just because you love fall flavors, these bars will satisfy every craving. With their delightful texture, delicious taste, and easy-to-follow recipe, they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the sweet, comforting goodness of Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars!