Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s hands-down comforting and downright irresistible, you’ve got to try this Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars combine that tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling with a buttery crumbly crust and topping—it’s like a traditional apple pie morphed into a super-easy, slice-and-serve treat. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight desserts, or Sunday baking sessions that fill your home with the coziest aroma.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a vital role in achieving that classic apple pie flavor with an easy crumb twist. I always recommend fresh, crisp apples, and dipping into your pantry for basic kitchen staples. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smartly and make these bars your new go-to dessert.

• Apples: I love using medium tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn—the tartness cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tart apples and sweetens the crumb topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the crumbly shortbread dough, use the “dip and sweep” method for accurate measurement.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
• Ground Cinnamon: Nothing says apple pie like cinnamon; it spices up both filling and crumble.
• Ground Nutmeg: A subtle warm spice that deepens the apple pie flavor without overpowering.
• Unsalted Butter: Use cold and cubed—it creates that tender, flaky texture in the crumb topping.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve played with a few tweaks to keep things fresh or to cater to different tastes, and I encourage you to do the same!

• Add Nuts: Sometimes I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for an extra crunch that my family goes crazy for.
• Use Different Apples: Mixing tart and sweet apples can add depth—try combining Granny Smith and Fuji for a more complex flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix, and you’ll still get a delightful crumb (just make sure your blend behaves like regular flour).
• Spice Variations: I’ve experimented with adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves when I’m feeling adventurous with the spice profile.

How to Make Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). I always grease an 8-inch square oven-proof dish and line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s a 2-inch overhang on the sides—it means you can effortlessly lift the whole batch out when it’s done. Trust me, this small prep step makes clean-up and serving so much easier!

Step 2: Create the Shortbread Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine 280 grams (about 2 cups) of all-purpose flour, 105 grams (half a cup) of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Then, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter—this is key for that crumbly texture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you haven’t tried this before, it’s like making sand with little buttery lumps—perfect for crumb topping and crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

Grab your apples (I used about 4 medium), peel and chop them into small cubes. Toss the apples with 30 grams of sugar, 25 grams of flour, 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. This mix not only seasons the apples but also thickens the filling as it bakes, preventing soggy bottoms—something I learned after a few less-than-perfect attempts!

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Then spread the apple filling evenly over the crust layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top to create that gorgeous crumb topping. You’ll want to press the crumbs down lightly so they stick, but don’t pack them too tight—you want that crumbly texture.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake in your preheated oven for about 50-55 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. I love watching the color deepen—it’s a good sign the flavors are melding beautifully. Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing; this helps them set up nicely so your slices hold their shape.

How to Serve Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep things simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—that melty cold cream paired with warm bars is pure magic. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent touch. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans add lovely texture and visuals if you want to impress.

Side Dishes

These apple pie bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon snack time. For a bigger spread, I like serving them alongside whipped cream or even a spiced latte to turn your gathering into a warm, cozy treat session.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I sometimes cut the bars into mini squares and stack them in a tiered dessert tray—guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Another fun idea: serve these bars inside small dessert bowls topped with cinnamon whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a deconstructed approach that’s fancy but still easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Beyond that, I move them to the fridge to keep them fresh, and they still taste pretty fresh and moist for about 4 days.

Freezing

If I know I won’t get to these bars soon enough, I freeze them individually wrapped in plastic and then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in a low oven. The texture holds up surprisingly well, and you can enjoy homemade apple pie bars anytime.

Reheating

I gently reheat the bars in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps to refresh the crumb topping and warm the apple filling without drying everything out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe has become one of my family’s absolute favorites, and I’m confident it’ll become yours too. It’s the kind of baking project that feels nostalgic and simple, yet delivers that wow-factor flavor without the fuss of a traditional pie. Whether you’re a novice baker or someone who loves cozy desserts, these bars make the perfect sweet ending to any meal or a delightful afternoon treat. Give them a try, and I promise your kitchen will be filled with that warm, apple-spiced goodness that’s impossible to resist.

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