Old-Fashioned Apple Crumble Bars

Is there anything more comforting than the warm aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples baking in the oven? Apple crumble is a classic, nostalgic treat, but what if you could enjoy that cozy flavor in a fun, hand-held form? Enter these Old-Fashioned Apple Crumble Bars—a deliciously simple way to bring homemade comfort to your dessert table!

The inspiration for these bars comes straight from my childhood. I remember watching my mom peel apples for her famous apple crumble, the scent filling the entire house. Now, I’ve taken that beloved recipe and transformed it into an easy-to-make, portable treat that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving at any gathering.

The beauty of these bars lies in their three irresistible layers:

A Buttery Shortbread Crust – No need for complicated pie dough! This simple base comes together with just a few pantry staples.
A Sweet and Spiced Apple Filling – Juicy Granny Smith apples tossed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of sugar create the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
A Golden, Crunchy Crumble Topping – A mixture of the reserved shortbread crust with oats gives these bars a crispy, buttery finish.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Crumble Bars

✔️ Easy to Make – No special skills required—just mix, layer, and bake!
✔️ Classic Fall Flavors – Warm cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.
✔️ Versatile & Convenient – Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast with coffee!
✔️ Customizable – Add nuts, drizzle with caramel, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Crust & Crumble Topping:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 large egg
⅓ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (for topping)

For the Apple Filling:

3-4 Granny Smith apples, diced (about 4 cups)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

How to Make Apple Crumble Bars

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.

Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan to form an even crust. Set the remaining one-third aside for the crumble topping.

Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.

2. Make the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, toss the diced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until evenly coated.

3. Prepare the Crumble Topping

Mix the reserved one-third of the dough with the rolled oats to create a crumbly texture.

4. Assemble & Bake

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Let the bars cool completely before slicing. For clean slices, chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level:

Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

FAQs

❓ Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

❓ Can I freeze apple crumble bars?
Yes! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

❓ What other apples can I use?
Granny Smith apples work best for tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter flavor.

No matter how you serve them, these Old-Fashioned Apple Crumble Bars bring all the cozy flavors of a homemade apple crumble in a fun, easy-to-eat bar. Once you try them, they just might become your new favorite fall dessert! 🍏✨