Apple Crumble Bars a Slice of Autumn Comfort

Apple Crumble Bars The Perfect Fall Apple Dessert
By Evelyn Thatcher

Recipe Introduction

Craving Comfort? Let's Talk Apple Crumble Bars!

Fancy whipping up something that screams autumn? Are you searching for easy fall apple desserts ? Well, you are in luck! These Apple Crumble Bars are pure comfort food.

They taste of cinnamon, apples, and buttery goodness.

These apple crumble bars take the best part of apple crumble and transform them into a convenient, shareable treat. This recipe is inspired by classic American harvest desserts .

These bars deliver that warm, fuzzy feeling we all crave during the colder months.

A Classic Treat, Reinvented

Apple crumble is a timeless dessert, comforting souls for generations. It's believed to have originated in Britain during World War II.

This version takes that classic and makes it even easier. It is perfect for any novice baker. It only takes about an hour, including chilling time, and makes 12 bars.

That’s plenty to share, or maybe not!

Easy Baking, Big Flavor!

One of the best things about these bars is that they are packed with flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg dance with sweet apples, while the buttery crust and crumbly topping add amazing texture.

These apple pie bars are bursting with goodness. Apples are a great source of fiber, too, so you can feel a little bit virtuous while indulging.

These bars are perfect for a potluck, a bake sale, or simply as a comforting treat on a chilly evening.

They are also great to have with spiced apple desserts .

Ready to get baking? Let's dive into the ingredients for these incredible Apple Crumble Bars. The perfect autumn dessert ideas start right here.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Fall Apple Desserts Adventure Starts Here!

Okay, so you're thinking about making some proper apple crumble bars , yeah? Fantastic choice! These fall baking recipes are easier than you might think.

Here's what you'll need. Don't panic, I'll walk you through it.

Main Ingredients

Let's nail down what you need to make these delicious apple pie bars .

  • For the Crust:
    • 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks/170g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed – This is crucial for a flaky crust. Seriously, don't skip the cold part.
    • 1 large egg yolk
    • 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water
  • For the Apple Filling:
    • 4 medium apples (about 2 lbs/900g), peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala are ace for spiced apple desserts . Pick what you like.
    • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
    • 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Can’t skip this one. Fall in a teaspoon, eh?
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 2 tablespoons (30ml) all-purpose flour
  • For the Crumble Topping:
    • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup (50g) rolled oats (not instant!)
    • 1/3 cup (67g) packed light brown sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 cup (1 stick/113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Again, COLD!

Seasoning Notes

Right, the flavor enhancers . Cinnamon and nutmeg are key for that autumn dessert ideas vibe. You can add a pinch of ground cloves for a bit more warmth, if you like.

If you don't have lemon juice, a splash of apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch. Easy peasy.

Equipment Needed

Nothing too fancy here, mate.

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper Makes life SO much easier.
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry blender or food processor – Optional , but it speeds things up for the crust. You can use your fingers though, honest!
  • Measuring cups and spoons

These easy apple crumble recipes are designed to be simple. Now, go forth and bake some cozy dessert recipes ! Think of it as your own little slice of harvest desserts .

You'll be chuffed you did.

Mastering Apple Crumble Bars: Your Guide to Fall Apple Desserts

Honestly, who doesn't love a good apple dessert recipes easy ? Especially when autumn rolls around and you're craving something warm and comforting.

I've been making apple crumble bars for years, and let me tell you, these are foolproof! Think of them as your secret weapon for harvest desserts , a delightful twist on classic fall baking recipes !

Prep Like a Pro: The Secret to Scrumptious Bars

First, it's all about the mise en place , that fancy French term for getting your act together before you even think about turning on the oven.

Measure out all your ingredients. Chop those apples. Dice the cold butter. Having everything ready saves a ton of time and stress.

Trust me, you do not want to be scrambling when you are making apple crumble bars .

Organization is key! I like to use small bowls for each component. This will save time and also make the whole process feel less overwhelming.

step-by-step to Apple Bar Bliss

  1. Crust Time: Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cut in 3/4 cup cold butter until crumbly. Mix in 1 egg yolk and 2 tbsp cold water.
  2. Press and Chill: Press the dough into a parchment lined 9x13 pan. Chill for 15 minutes .
  3. Pre-bake the Base: Bake the crust at 350° F ( 175° C) for 12- 15 minutes . It should be lightly golden.
  4. Apple Filling Magic: Mix diced 4 apples with 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 2 tbsp flour.
  5. Crumble Creation: Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Spread the apple filling over the crust. Top with the crumble. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 35- 40 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Cool and Cut: Let cool completely before cutting. I know, it is so hard!

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Apple Bars

Want to take your easy apple crumble recipe to the next level? The key is using cold butter. It makes all the difference in both the crust and the crumble.

Trust me on this one! Also, don't overmix the crust dough. Mix until it just comes together.

A common mistake is not letting the bars cool completely before cutting. If you try to cut them warm, you will end up with a gooey mess.

Avoid this by exercising patience. The results are worth it.

These bars are fantastic for autumn dessert ideas ! They’re also amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Hope you enjoy these warm, cozy dessert recipes as much as I do!. Consider also, if you are vegan, switching to vegan butter and applesauce makes this a recipe for all.

Recipe Notes: Apple Crumble Bar Edition

Right, let's talk shop about these utterly delightful apple crumble bars . Honestly, these aren't your average fall apple desserts they are so easy to make, that you will want to make them for any party.

I have a funny story that happened the first time I made them... I was so busy, that I forgot to pre-bake the crust.

Oh my gosh! Don't be like me.

Plating and Presentation

Okay, so presentation is key. Warm these apple pie bars up slightly, and serve them on a cute plate. Think about the vibe you're going for.

A dusting of icing sugar is always a winner. Wanna get fancy? A scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream seals the deal.

Or a dollop of freshly whipped cream? Yes, please.

Pair these delicious bars with a mug of hot apple cider or a spiced tea. It's like a cozy dessert recipes hug in a mug. You know? Pure bliss.

Storage: Keep 'Em Fresh

These spiced apple desserts are best stored in the fridge. In an airtight container, they'll last for about 3-4 days.

Honestly, they probably won't last that long. If you're thinking long term, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in cling film.

Then, pop them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months.

To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes. Or microwave them for a quick fix.

Variations: Mix It Up

Want to get creative? How about caramel apple crumble bars? Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before the crumble topping.

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use vegan butter and applesauce. Easy peasy.

Coconut sugar instead of brown sugar is a good option, if you want less refined sugar. Walnuts or pecans can be swapped for oats, too!

Consider swapping apples with pears for autumn dessert ideas . I bet you would impress all your guests.

Nutrition Basics

Each bar has roughly 320 calories. It has 4g protein, 16g fat, and 42g carbohydrates. Remember, this is an estimate.

I am not a nutritionist and can not guarantee that these values are correct. Consider this a harvest desserts treat, not a main meal.

The apples do add fibre and some vitamins though.

These apple crumble bars are amazing. Have fun and make your own version. Let me know what you think! These could become your favourite of all the fall baking recipes .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these fall apple desserts ahead of time?

Absolutely! These apple crumble bars are perfect for making ahead. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They're also great for bringing to potlucks - like a proper bake off!

What kind of apples are best for these apple crumble bars?

A mix of apples is ideal for the best flavour and texture! Granny Smith apples provide a tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples add sweetness and a softer bite. Experiment and find your perfect blend - variety is the spice of life, after all!

My crust is always soggy. How do I prevent that when making these fall apple desserts?

Soggy bottoms are a common baking woe! The key is to pre-bake the crust before adding the apple filling. This creates a barrier that prevents the moisture from the apples from soaking into the crust. Also, make sure you're using cold butter and not overmixing the dough like getting a soggy biscuit!

Can I freeze these apple crumble bars?

Yes, you can! Let the bars cool completely, then cut them into individual portions. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying a slice of autumn anytime!

Are there any variations I can try with these fall apple desserts?

Definitely! You could add a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking for caramel apple bars. Or, try incorporating other fall spices like ginger or cardamom into the apple filling or crumble topping. For a nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble it's all about putting your own stamp on it!

Can I make these apple crumble bars gluten-free or vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt the recipe! For gluten-free bars, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crust and crumble. For a vegan version, substitute vegan butter for the dairy butter and replace the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of applesauce. A simple swap for a worry free pudding!

Apple Crumble Bars A Slice Of Autumn Comfort

Apple Crumble Bars The Perfect Fall Apple Dessert Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:35 Mins
Cooking time:40 Mins
Servings:12 bars

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories320
Fat16g
Fiber4g

Recipe Info:

CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican

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