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Apple Pie Crumble Bars
Apple Pie Crumble Bars are the ultimate dessert mash-up, bringing together the essence of a classic apple pie in a convenient bar form. With a buttery shortbread base, a sweet and tangy apple filling, and a crisp crumble topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up in no time and taste even better the next day!
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk or Fork
- Pastry Cutter or Fork
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
- Saucepan
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 5-6 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Work in the Butter: Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Form the Crust: Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Reserve the remaining third for the crumble topping.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes until it just begins to set but is not fully browned. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Apple Filling
- Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples offer a sweeter profile.
- Toss the Apples: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Ensure the apples are well-coated in the mixture.
Assemble the Bars
- Layer the Apples: Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the baked crust, making sure to distribute the apples in an even layer.
- Add the Crumble Topping: Take the reserved crumb mixture and sprinkle it over the top of the apples. Try to cover as much of the apple layer as possible.
Bake the Bars
- Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This will help the bars set and make them easier to cut.
Slice and Serve
- Cut the Bars: Once the bars have cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper (if you lined the pan). Cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Serve: These Apple Pie Crumble Bars can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature on their own. Either way, they’re irresistible!
Notes
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Crumble Bars
- Apple Variety: Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor.
- Chill the Crust: For an extra crisp base, consider chilling the crust in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
- Add Nuts: For a little extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the spices to your taste—add more cinnamon for warmth, or a pinch of cloves for extra spice.
- Storing the Bars: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The crust and crumble mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply assemble and bake when you’re ready.
Nutrition Information
Each serving (based on 12 bars) contains:- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 2g