Apple Crumble Bars

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Check out these DELICIOUS apple crumble bars! They’re made with a straightforward shortbread crust for both the base and crumbly top, filled with a luscious apple cinnamon center. They’re quicker than apple pie but just as delicious!

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Enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade apple crumble bars. These delicious bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping. Baked to golden-brown perfection, each bite offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for dessert, a midday snack, or a treat to share at gatherings, these apple crumble bars are a must-try for apple lovers.

The sweet and soft shortbread crust is easy to make—no rolling is needed. Press half into the pan, add the cinnamon apple filling, then gently crumble the remaining dough on top. Bake, and enjoy buttery, crispy bars with a soft apple center. Absolutely delicious!

Apple crumble bars ingredients

This recipe has two parts: the shortbread crust and the apple cinnamon filling.

Shortbread Crust:

Ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, and one egg. The egg creates a soft, shortbread-like dough.
Use this dough for both the bottom (pressed into the baking pan) and the top (crumbled).

Now, for the Apple Filling:

  • Apples: Use any type or mix for a sweet-tart blend like Honeycrisp, Golden, or Granny Smith.
  • Unsalted butter: Softens the apples for tenderness and richness.
  • Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice): For a French twist, use vanilla bean seeds instead — subtle, elegant, and delicious!
  • White + brown sugar: Adjust to taste, using half of each. The dough adds sweetness, so less sugar is fine.
  • Lemon juice: Adds acidity and prevents apple browning before cooking.
  • All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the filling; don’t omit.

Recipe variations

  • Alternative Flavor: If you don’t like cinnamon, use vanilla for the apple filling. Use seeds from a vanilla pod for best results (not vanilla extract).
  • Mixed Fruit: Try a filling with equal parts apples and pears.
  • Oat Crumble Topping: For an oat crumble topping, halve the shortbread crust ingredients to use only half of the crust mixture.

Storing 

  • Once cooled, store these apple bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze sliced bars in a large Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispness.

Make-Ahead 

  • Prepare the dough up to 5 days ahead. Divide in half, and wrap each portion in plastic wrap.
  • Press half of the dough into a lined pan; store the other half crumbled in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Cook the apple filling in advance, cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Assemble and bake the bars on the day of serving. Alternatively, bake the bars completely a day ahead and store them for serving the next day.

 

Love Bars? Be sure to check out these other delicious bar recipes!

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