Save to Pinterest These Apple Pie Crumble Bars capture everything cozy about autumn baking in one easy treat You get the gooey apple filling and buttery crumble topping of classic apple pie all stacked into hand-held bars that travel well and taste like a trip to the orchard I started making these for school bake sales but now they have earned a spot at every holiday table and weekend coffee break
The oat and cinnamon aroma always makes my kitchen feel welcoming The first time I brought these to my daughter's soccer practice I came home with an empty tin and four recipe requests
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Give hearty texture and chew Choose thick rolled oats for the best structure
- All-purpose flour: Ensures the bars hold together and gives the crumble a sturdy base Pick high quality unbleached flour for best flavor
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a molasses note to both the crumble and the apple layer Always pack the sugar firmly in the cup
- Cold unsalted butter: Chilled cubes blend into the dry ingredients for that bakery-style texture Use real butter for flavor not replacements
- Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their tartness and for holding shape after baking Choose firm blemish-free apples that give some resistance when pressed
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic spices that give that warm apple pie scent Freshly grated nutmeg makes a subtle difference
- Cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling just enough to avoid soggy bars Sift if clumpy to help it blend smoothly
- Lemon juice: Balances the sweet apples and keeps flavors bright Go with fresh lemons for the best zing
- Vanilla extract: Adds roundness and depth to the filling Opt for real vanilla
Instructions
- Make the Crumble Mixture:
- Combine old-fashioned oats flour and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips Pinch the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like moist sand with a few pea-sized lumps These small pockets of butter will help create an irresistible crumb Choose a gentle touch to get that tender bakery-style texture
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Peel core and thinly slice the apples into about one quarter inch slices Toss them with brown sugar cornstarch lemon juice cinnamon nutmeg and vanilla in a separate bowl Be sure each slice is coated fully for a consistent creamy filling If your apples seem dry add another squeeze of lemon juice
- Assemble the Bars:
- Line a square baking pan with parchment paper Press two thirds of the oat crumble firmly into the bottom of the pan creating an even layer Top with the spiced apple mixture distributing loosely yet evenly across the crumble Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apples pressing some into clumps for a mix of sandy crumbs and big nuggets
- Bake:
- Slide the pan into a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Bake for about thirty five to forty two minutes until the top is deeply golden brown and you see bubbling juices at the edges Do not underbake the crumble will continue to crisp as it cools Allow to cool completely before lifting out and cutting into bars
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled lift the bars using the parchment onto a cutting board Slice into squares and serve either room temperature or slightly warmed with ice cream The flavors deepen overnight and the bars stay tender for several days covered at room temperature
Save to Pinterest Cinnamon is my favorite ingredient here The smell reminds me of baking with my mom every fall She always let me sprinkle the last bit of cinnamon sugar over the crumble just before baking and it is the extra touch I love passing on to my own kids
Storage Tips
Store baked bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days If you prefer a firmer texture keep them chilled in the refrigerator individually wrapped For longer storage freeze the cut bars on a baking sheet then wrap and stash in a freezer bag They thaw quickly at room temperature
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap half the butter for coconut oil for a subtle twist Try pears or a mix of apples and pears in the filling for a sweet change Gluten free flour blends work beautifully here Make sure your oats are certified gluten free if needed
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous swirl of maple whipped cream For a fall brunch I pair them with spiced chai tea The bars also pack well for lunchboxes or classroom parties
Cultural and Historical Context
The essence of apple crumble stems from classic British and North American comfort desserts There is something universal about the aroma of baked apples and buttery crumbs It bridges fall apple orchard trips and family weekend traditions in both Europe and America
Seasonal Adaptations
Use ripe local apples in autumn for the brightest flavor Mix in a handful of fresh cranberries in winter for a tart twist Swap cinnamon for ground cardamom and use pears in late summer
Success Stories
These bars were the star at my cousin’s baby shower and are now requested for family birthdays I even gifted a pan to a neighbor who was moving and she texted two days later for the recipe
Freezer Meal Conversion
After cooling and cutting wrap individual bars in parchment and freeze Place the wrapped bars in a zipper freezer bag and they will keep for up to two months Defrost at room temperature then reheat a few seconds in the microwave if you want them warm
Save to Pinterest Enjoy a little taste of autumn any time with these easy apple pie crumble bars They disappear quickly so make an extra batch to share
Common Recipe Questions
- → What apples work best for these bars?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance the sweetness and hold their shape well when baked.
- → Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are recommended for texture, but quick oats can be used for a finer, less chewy crumble.
- → Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Can these bars be frozen?
Yes, cool bars completely, then freeze in a single layer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- → How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-bake the crust before adding the apple filling to help create a sturdy, crisp base for the bars.