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Apple Crumb Bars

Irresistible Apple Crumb Bars for Cozy Fall Baking

Delight in these Sweet Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Crumb Bars, perfect for cozy fall gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and a tender crumb; no substitutions are needed.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the crust and filling; coconut sugar can give a richer flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Ensures a light texture in the crumb topping; it’s essential—don’t skip this!
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor; try using sea salt for a more refined taste.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Adds a warm, comforting spice; can be swapped for apple pie spice for a twist.
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter Essential for a flaky crust; ensure it is chilled and cubed for best results.
  • 1 large egg Binds ingredients and enriches the texture; a flax egg works as a vegan substitute.
For the Filling
  • 4 cups apples Cored and diced; a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp offers delightful sweetness and moisture.
  • 0.5 cups light brown sugar Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; brown coconut sugar is a great alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens the apple filling for perfect consistency; flour can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Brightens apple flavor and prevents browning; vinegar works in small amounts if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Rounds out flavors beautifully; homemade vanilla can elevate your bars even more!

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • pastry cutter

Method
 

Directions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Add chilled, cubed unsalted butter and egg to the dry mixture, mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine diced apples, light brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat.
  6. Spread the apple filling uniformly over the crust.
  7. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the apple filling, pressing down gently.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
  9. Let cool completely in the dish on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill the butter for a flaky crust and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish for clean cuts.

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