Apple Crumble Bars

Hello friends! These Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful combination of a buttery shortbread base, a spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping. With each bite of this dessert, you will experience the harmonious blend of sweet and tangy apples paired with warm spices, all nestled between layers of crisp shortbread. It’s like apple pie, that you can enjoy on the go!

Whether enjoyed as a comforting treat or shared with friends and family, these bars are sure to be a hit for any occasion.

This recipe was sponsored by Domino® Sugar, all opinions are my own.

Best Apple Crumble Bars Recipe

In this post, I’ll walk you through each step to create these delicious Apple Crumble Bars. Find detailed instructions and tips below, along with the full ingredient list.

This recipe makes approximately 16 bars.

Before starting, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line an 8×8” pan or baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring that it covers the bottom and sides of the pan. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.

Making the Shortbread Crust

In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy. Mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until the dough is crumbly.

Press half of this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.

Preparing the Apple Filling

While the base is baking, peel and chop the apples into small pieces.

Toss the apples with flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.

Assembling and Baking

Spread the apple filling over the baked shortbread crust.

Crumble the remaining dough over the apple filling, covering it completely. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Storage and Serving

Store these Apple Crumble Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, warm them slightly in the microwave before serving, or let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

My favorite way to enjoy these bars is to heat them up in the microwave for 15 to 25 seconds, and top with vanilla or dulce de leche ice cream, and of course a drizzle of Caramel Sauce.

What kind of apples to use?

For apple bars, it’s best to use apples that hold their shape well during baking and offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Here are some great options:

• Granny Smith – Known for their tartness and firm texture, Granny Smith apples are excellent for baking as they don’t get too mushy and offer a bright contrast to the sweetness of the crumb topping.
• Honeycrisp – These apples are both sweet and slightly tart with a crisp texture, making them another fantastic choice for apple bars. They are my favorite.
• Golden Delicious – These apples are milder in flavor but still retain their shape nicely during baking. They add a natural sweetness without overpowering the dessert.
• Fuji – Fuji apples are very sweet and crisp, which can work well if you prefer a sweeter filling, though you may want to pair them with a more tart apple like Granny Smith for balance.

A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp (or any of the other apples) is often a great combination to achieve a perfect flavor and texture balance in apple bars!

Tips & Tricks for Apple Crumble Bars

• Prevent Soggy Bars: To keep the bars from becoming soggy, ensure the apple filling is well-coated with the flour and sugar mixture. This helps thicken the juices as they cook.
• Apples: I recommend apples such as Granny Smith, Honey crisp, Golden Delicious, or Fuji. You will need about 3 to 4 medium apples for this recipe.
• Chill the Dough: If the shortbread dough is too soft or sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This will make it easier to work with and help it hold its shape.
• Even Crumble Topping: For an even crumble topping, use your fingers or a fork to break the remaining dough into small pieces before sprinkling it over the apples. This ensures a consistent texture and more even baking.
• Check for Doneness: The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. To test for doneness, gently press the center with a spoon—if it feels firm, it’s ready.
• Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
• Freezing for Later: These bars freeze well. Wrap cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: For an extra special treat, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup. They’re also delicious with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Apples go great with dulce de leche as well, so you can make your own following this recipe and drizzle or spoon on top of the bars.

Implementing these tips will help you achieve perfectly baked Apple Crumble Bars with a delightful balance of sweet, spiced apple filling and buttery, crumbly topping.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Crumble Bars

These bars combine the richness of buttery shortbread with the sweet, spiced flavor of tender apples, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that’s comforting and satisfying. The crumbly topping adds a delightful texture contrast, making each bite irresistible. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they’re also incredibly versatile.

Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or enjoy them as a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

They’re ideal for casual get-togethers, holiday gatherings, or as a delightful homemade gift to share with loved ones. Plus, these bars are sturdy enough to transport, making them perfect for potlucks or picnics. Whether you’re savoring them fresh out of the oven or packing them up for a special occasion, these apple crumble bars are sure to be a hit!

Apple Crumble Bars Variations

Experiment with different ingredients to customize the bars!

• Change up the Fruit: You can swap peaches for apples in this recipe with no additional adjustments needed!
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for added crunch.
• Use Different Spices: Try adding a touch of cardamom or allspice to the apple filling for a unique flavor twist.
• Make a Oat Streusel Topping Instead: Combine oats, flour, and brown sugar and then top the bars with this mixture to give an extra crunch!
• Drizzle with Caramel: Top the bars with a drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Make them Vegan: Use vegan butter to make these vegan. No one will be able to tell the difference!

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like these other apple desserts:

• Apple Crumb Cake
• Apple Upside Down Cake
• Apple Blondies
• Apple Cinnamon Rolls
• Apple Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

I’d love to hear what you think! Share your photos and feedback on Instagram or Facebook!