Apple Crumble Bars

Recipe video above. Tastes like Apple Crumble – in bar form! These Apple Crumble Bars combine a shortbread-like base with a jammy apple filling and a deliciously crumbly top. Perfect for various occasions, from casual snacks to elegant dinner parties, these bars are sure to impress. Drizzle on some salted caramel sauce and serve with ice cream for an extra special treat!

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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 the Pan
• Step 3: Make the Base Mixture
• Step 4: Add Egg to Mixture
• Step 5: Press into Pan
• Step 6: Bake Base Layer
• Step 7: Prepare Apple Filling
• How to Serve Apple Crumble Bars
• With Salted Caramel Sauce
• A Scoop of Ice Cream
• Fresh Whipped Cream
• Served Warm or Cold
• 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
• Can I use other fruits besides apples for Apple Crumble Bars?
• How do I make my Apple Crumble Bars gluten-free?
• What is the secret to a crumbly topping?
• How long do these Apple Crumble Bars last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them as a snack or dress them up for dessert at your next gathering.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and buttery crust makes every bite irresistible.
• Handheld Treat: Perfect for enjoying on the go, making them ideal for picnics or lunchboxes.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add nuts or other fruits for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Apple Crumble Bars, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 20cm/8 square pan: The perfect size for even baking, ensuring your bars cook thoroughly.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively, preventing messes during prep.
• Baking/parchment paper: Helps with easy removal of the bars after baking, avoiding sticking.

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 (Note 1)
– 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 ensures that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grease a 20cm/8 square pan and line it with baking or parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This allows you to lift the bars out easily once they’re baked.

Step 3: Make the Base Mixture

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

Step 4: Add Egg to Mixture

Add one egg to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Press into Pan

Lightly press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 6: Bake Base Layer

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for five minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Apple Filling

While the base is cooling, mix together all ingredients needed for the apple filling in a separate bowl.

Follow these steps to create delicious Apple Crumble Bars that everyone will love! Stay tuned for more steps on assembling and finishing this delightful treat.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Bars

Apple Crumble Bars are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or presenting them at a gathering, these bars can easily be elevated to suit any occasion.

With Salted Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the top of your Apple Crumble Bars for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the crumbly base and fruity filling perfectly.

Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top your Apple Crumble Bars with fresh whipped cream. This adds a light and airy component that balances the flavors nicely.

Served Warm or Cold

• Enjoy your bars warm right out of the oven, or let them cool completely for a refreshing treat later on. Both options are delicious!

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the bars on a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats. They make for an eye-catching addition to any gathering.

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How to Perfect Apple Crumble Bars

Perfecting your Apple Crumble Bars can elevate them from good to great! Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Apples: Choose tart Granny Smith apples for their flavor and texture. They hold up well during baking.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix until just combined to ensure a tender base that isn’t tough.
• Chill Your Butter: For a flakier crust, use cold butter. It helps create that desirable crumbly texture.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste preferences for added warmth.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set better and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Bars

Apple Crumble Bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, this creamy side complements the sweet and tart flavors of the bars.
2. Custard: Serve warm custard alongside your bars for a rich, gooey experience.
3. Caramel Sauce: Enhance the dessert experience by drizzling more caramel sauce on the side.
4. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
5. Cheese Plate: Offer sharp cheddar cheese as an accompaniment for a sweet-savory combination.
6. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage pairs nicely, adding comfort to your snack or dessert time.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and nuts for a wholesome side that contrasts textures beautifully.
8. Spiced Chai Latte: This warming drink offers rich spices that harmonize well with apple flavors in the bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Crumble Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the butter cooling step: Always let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing it with other ingredients. This prevents the egg from cooking prematurely.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision. Incorrect measurements can affect texture and taste.
• Using the wrong type of apple: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor. Sweet varieties may lead to overly sweet bars.
• Overbaking the crumble: Watch your bars closely towards the end of baking. Overbaking can result in a dry crumble topping.
• Neglecting to line the pan properly: Ensure you line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. This keeps your bars intact when serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Crumble Bars in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Apple Crumble Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Crumble Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds per bar until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering it to trap steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits besides apples for Apple Crumble Bars?

Yes! You can substitute pears, peaches, or berries for a different flavor profile while keeping the same base recipe.

How do I make my Apple Crumble Bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Apple Crumble Bars, replace plain flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking.

What is the secret to a crumbly topping?

The key is using cold butter and not overmixing. This creates small clumps that bake into a delightful crumble texture.

How long do these Apple Crumble Bars last?

When stored properly, they can last up to 5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

Apple Crumble Bars are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or dressed up as dessert at dinner parties, these bars cater to any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite spices or additional toppings like nuts or chocolate chips. Give them a try; you won’t be disappointed!