Apple Crumble Bars

These Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tart apples and a buttery, oat-filled crumble topping. They’re a perfect balance of texture, with tender apples nestled under a golden, crispy layer that’s irresistibly satisfying.

They’re so simple to make and the flavors are perfectly comforting, making them ideal for enjoying with family or sharing with friends. You can easily customize the sweetness or add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a twist. Whether it’s fall or any time of year, these bars will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Full Recipe:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) plain flour (all-purpose)

• 1 ¼ cups (275g) packed brown sugar

• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 ½ cups (150g) rolled oats

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• 4 cups (480g) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• ¼ cup (60g) granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until crumbly.

3. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base.

4. In another bowl, mix the sliced apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, and granulated sugar until well combined.

5. Spread the apple mixture over the oat base.

6. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apples, covering them evenly.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

8. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 16 bars

Introduction to Apple Crumble Bars

Apple crumble bars are a delightful dessert that combine the best elements of an apple crumble and a portable bar. This easy-to-make dessert features layers of sweet, juicy apples paired with a buttery crumble topping, all held together in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat, apple crumble bars are an excellent choice. They offer the warm, comforting flavors of traditional apple crumble, but with the added bonus of being easy to serve and enjoy on the go.

The Origins of Apple Crumble

Crumble desserts have a long history, originating from the UK during the Second World War when ingredients like butter and sugar were rationed. People began making crumbles using inexpensive, locally available fruits like apples and pears. The concept was simple: a base layer of fruit topped with a crispy, buttery crumble topping. Over the years, apple crumble became a classic, beloved by many for its balance of sweet, tart fruit and rich, crunchy topping.

Apple crumble bars, a more modern variation of this classic dessert, are a result of the desire for more portable and convenient desserts. The bars maintain all the comforting flavors of the original crumble, but they are easier to share and serve in smaller portions. Whether served as a treat for afternoon tea or a dessert after dinner, these bars are always a crowd-pleaser.

Why Apple Crumble Bars Are So Popular

There’s no denying the appeal of apple crumble bars. The combination of soft, spiced apples with a crunchy, buttery topping is irresistible. The texture contrast between the tender fruit and the crisp crumble makes every bite a delightful experience. Plus, apple crumble bars are versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of year, although they are particularly popular in the fall when apples are in season.

Another reason for their popularity is the ease of preparation. Unlike traditional apple crumble, which requires a separate baking dish and is often messy to serve, apple crumble bars are simple to make in a rectangular pan and can be easily sliced into individual portions. This makes them perfect for events like parties, picnics, or family gatherings where you want a dessert that’s both delicious and easy to serve.

Ingredients and Flavor Profile of Apple Crumble Bars

The main components of apple crumble bars are apples, a crumbly oat topping, and a little bit of sugar and spice. Apples provide a naturally sweet and slightly tart flavor, making them the perfect base for the crumble. When paired with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes a dash of lemon juice, the apples take on a warm, comforting flavor profile that evokes the coziness of fall.

The crumble topping is made from simple ingredients such as butter, flour, oats, and sugar, which come together to form a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples beneath. The oats in the crumble topping add a delightful texture and a subtle nuttiness that complements the sweetness of the apples.

How to Customize Your Apple Crumble Bars

One of the best things about apple crumble bars is how easily they can be customized to suit your personal taste. Here are a few ideas to make these bars your own:

1. Use Different Types of Apples: While Granny Smith apples are commonly used for their tartness, feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Honeycrisp apples will add more sweetness, while Fuji apples bring a juicy crispness.

2. Add Spices: Cinnamon is the classic spice for apple crumble bars, but you can also try adding nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a unique twist.

3. Incorporate Nuts: If you love a little crunch in your dessert, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans to the crumble topping. This will add a nice texture and depth of flavor to your bars.

4. Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats in the crumble topping.

5. Make It Vegan: To make apple crumble bars vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or another plant-based alternative, and replace the egg (if used) with a flax egg or applesauce.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Crumble Bars

Apple crumble bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic combination of warm apple crumble and cold vanilla ice cream is unbeatable. The creaminess of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warmth and texture of the bars.

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy element to balance out the richness of the crumble.

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the bars will add an extra layer of sweetness and decadence.

• Custard: For a truly indulgent treat, serve your apple crumble bars with a warm custard sauce. The smooth, velvety custard complements the apple and crumble perfectly.

Apple Crumble Bars for Any Occasion

Apple crumble bars are a versatile dessert that can be served on various occasions. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just for a cozy family gathering, these bars are sure to please. Here are some occasions when apple crumble bars are the perfect choice:

• Fall Celebrations: Apple crumble bars are a quintessential fall dessert, making them perfect for Thanksgiving or Halloween. The comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon bring a cozy, festive vibe to any gathering.

• Afternoon Tea: Serve these bars with a hot cup of tea for a delightful afternoon snack. The sweetness of the apple crumble pairs perfectly with a variety of teas, such as black, chai, or even herbal blends.

• Potlucks and Picnics: Apple crumble bars are easy to transport and serve, making them an ideal choice for potlucks and picnics. They’re simple to slice into portions and don’t require any extra utensils to enjoy.

• Family Desserts: With their simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, apple crumble bars are a fantastic choice for a family dessert. The kids will love helping to prepare them, and the whole family will enjoy the delicious result.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Apple Crumble Bars

Apple crumble bars are a delightful and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their sweet, spiced apple filling and buttery, crumbly topping, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Plus, they’re so easy to make and customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re enjoying them as a cozy snack with a cup of tea or serving them at a holiday gathering, apple crumble bars are a crowd-pleaser that will never go out of style. So grab some apples, preheat your oven, and start baking – your taste buds will thank you!