Apple Crumble Bars

Recipe video above. Tastes like Apple Crumble – in bar form! Shortbread-like base, jammy apple filling, and crumbly top make these Apple Crumble Bars a delicious treat. Perfect for various occasions, these bars can serve as a handheld snack or be transformed into an elegant dessert for a dinner party. With the addition of salted caramel sauce and ice cream, they are truly irresistible!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Apple Crumble Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
• Step 3: Make the Base Mixture
• Step 4: Add Egg to Mixture
• Step 5: Press the Base into the Pan
• Step 6: Bake the Base
• Step 7: Prepare the Apple Filling
• How to Serve Apple Crumble Bars
• With Salted Caramel Sauce
• A Scoop of Ice Cream
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• Pair with Fresh Fruit
• Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• How to Perfect Apple Crumble Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Apple Crumble Bars
• Reheating Apple Crumble Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Apple Crumble Bars?
• Can I use other types of apples?
• How do I customize my Apple Crumble Bars?
• Are Apple Crumble Bars suitable for freezing?
• What’s the best way to serve Apple Crumble Bars?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warming spices creates a comforting flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm with ice cream or at room temperature as a snack.
• Handheld Treat: These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for gatherings or lunchboxes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their delightful taste and texture, they’re sure to impress family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Apple Crumble Bars, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 20cm/8 square pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking/parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• 20cm/8 square pan: The right size ensures even baking and perfect portion sizes for your bars.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized during preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best results in baking.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 125g / 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups (300g) flour, plain/all purpose
– 1/2 cup (100g) white sugar
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– 1 egg
– 1/3 cup (30g) rolled oats
– 3 – 4 large granny smith apples, cut into 0.7cm / 1/3 dice (~4 cups)
– 1/4 cup (35g) plain flour, all purpose flour
– 1/4 cup (50g) white sugar
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– Salted caramel sauce
– Ice cream!

How to Make Apple Crumble Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180C (350F). This will ensure it’s hot enough to bake your bars evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease a 20cm/8 square pan and line it with baking/parchment paper. Leave some overhang so you can easily lift out the bars later.

Step 3: Make the Base Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, white sugar, baking powder, and pinch of salt. Mix until there are no visible bits of flour left.

Step 4: Add Egg to Mixture

Add in one egg and mix well until fully combined.

Step 5: Press the Base into the Pan

Lightly press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. This will form the crust layer.

Step 6: Bake the Base

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until slightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for five minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the Apple Filling

While your base is cooling, mix together all ingredients for the apple filling in another bowl. This includes diced apples, plain flour, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

Stay tuned for more steps on how to assemble this delightful dessert!

How to Serve Apple Crumble Bars

Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their sweet and comforting flavor makes them perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With Salted Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the bars for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to complement the warm apple filling.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a light and airy finish.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh slices of pears or berries can add a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• These bars make a great companion to your afternoon coffee or tea, enhancing your break time.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include Apple Crumble Bars on a dessert platter alongside brownies, cookies, and fruit tarts for variety at gatherings.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Apple Crumble Bars

Creating the perfect Apple Crumble Bars involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to make your bars truly exceptional.

• Use Fresh Apples: Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling your dough before baking helps it maintain its shape and results in a better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix ingredients just until combined to keep the base tender and flaky.
• Add Extra Spices: Enhance flavor by adding more cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preferences.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar in both the base and filling based on your sweetness preference.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool before cutting; this helps them hold their shape better.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Bars

Apple Crumble Bars pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some excellent options you might consider serving alongside them.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the spiced flavors.
2. Cinnamon Yogurt: A tangy yogurt mixed with cinnamon offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
3. Berry Compote: A warm berry compote provides a fruity burst that complements apple flavors beautifully.
4. Caramelized Pears: Sautéed pears in butter and brown sugar create an elegant side dish.
5. Chai-Spiced Tea: The warming spices in chai tea echo those in the bars, making it an ideal beverage option.
6. Cheese Plate: Pairing with mild cheeses can add savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the dessert.
7. Spiced Nuts: A handful of spiced nuts offers crunch and a hint of saltiness, enhancing overall taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Crumble Bars, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final outcome. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to a crumbly texture instead of a firm base. Always chill your dough before pressing it into the pan.
• Using the wrong apples: Opting for sweet apples can result in overly sugary bars. Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness, balancing well with sweetness.
• Overmixing the filling: Mixing the apple filling too much can break down the fruit. Gently mix your ingredients to keep the apple pieces intact.
• Not lining the pan properly: Failing to line your baking pan makes removing the bars difficult. Use parchment paper overhang for easy lifting after baking.
• Ignoring baking time: Opening the oven too often can affect cooking time. Stick to the recommended time and check doneness by color and smell.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Crumble Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Crumble Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Crumble Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per bar. Check to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Apple Crumble Bars?

Apple Crumble Bars are dessert bars that combine a buttery shortbread-like base, delicious apple filling, and a crunchy crumble topping.

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use other apple varieties, but tart apples like Granny Smith provide a better flavor balance.

How do I customize my Apple Crumble Bars?

You can add nuts, dried fruits, or spices like ginger for added flavor and texture variations.

Are Apple Crumble Bars suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! They freeze well and can be enjoyed later after proper storage.

What’s the best way to serve Apple Crumble Bars?

Serve them warm with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and topped with ice cream for an indulgent treat!

Final Thoughts

Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that blend simplicity and comfort. They’re perfect as a handheld snack or an elegant dessert at gatherings. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or spices for a unique twist. Enjoy making them for yourself or share them with friends!