The Best Homemade Apple Crumb Bars

The Best Homemade Apple Crumb Bars – A Warm, Buttery Delight

Looking for the perfect dessert that combines a buttery crust, spiced apples, and a sweet crumb topping? These Apple Crumb Bars are the ultimate treat for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or just a quiet moment with your favorite coffee or tea. With layers of texture and flavor, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Crumb Bars

• Buttery Crust and Crumb Topping – Tender yet crisp with just the right amount of crumble.
• Real Apples – Fresh, diced apples bring a natural sweetness and a soft bite.
• Simple Ingredients – Nothing fancy, just basic pantry staples.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, parties, or lunchbox treats.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
• Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust and Crumb Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg

For the Apple Filling:

• 5 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions

 Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Beat the egg lightly and add it to the crumb mixture. Stir until incorporated.
4. Take half of the mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan.
3. Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the remaining half of the crumb mixture over the apples. Don’t worry about making it perfect—those rustic, golden chunks will crisp up beautifully. 

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. The smell of cinnamon and baked apples will fill your kitchen!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This will help them set and hold their shape. Cut into squares or bars, depending on how big you want them.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• These bars also freeze well—wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Bonus Variations

• Add Nuts: Try chopped walnuts or pecans in the topping for crunch.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of warm caramel takes these bars over the top.
• Oats: Mix in ½ cup of rolled oats with the topping for extra texture.

Are Apple Crumb Bars Healthy?

While these are definitely a treat, you can make small adjustments to suit your dietary needs:

• Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
• Use coconut sugar instead of white sugar.
• Add chia seeds or flaxseed for a fiber boost.

Perfect For Any Occasion

These bars are ideal for:

• Holiday desserts
• School bake sales
• After-dinner snacks
• Brunches and weekend breakfasts

Final Thoughts

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about a warm apple dessert. These Apple Crumb Bars hit all the right notes with their buttery crust, sweet-tart apples, and crumbly topping. Whether you serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them cold with a cup of coffee, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe.Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie