Easy Apple Crumble Bars a Slice of Autumn Delight
Recipe Introduction
Craving Easy Fall Desserts?
Remember those days of picking apples? Honestly, I wanted something quicker than pie! If you need easy fall desserts that taste amazing, these Easy Apple Crumble Bars are calling your name.
The warm spices and sweet apples create the perfect autumn experience.
A Taste of Autumn in Every Bite
This recipe's inspired by the classic apple crumble. Apple crumble traces its roots back to Britain. It's like a comforting hug in dessert form.
It's all about creating a dessert that’s both delicious and incredibly straightforward.This apple crumble bars recipe is surprisingly simple, taking about an hour from start to finish.
It yields 9-12 bars, perfect for sharing or, you know, keeping to yourself.
Why You'll Love These Bars
One of the best things is how portable they are! They’re a perfect grab and-go snack or sweet treat, packing all the yummy flavors of fall in every bite.
Apples are also packed with fiber. They are perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even a cozy night in. These quick fall desserts will become your new go-to.
What makes this special? This is the best fall baking recipes easy .
Get Your Ingredients Ready!
Time to gather your ingredients! You will need some flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, oats, and of course, apples!. Let's get started on these mouthwatering apple dessert bars with oats !
Alright, let's get into the nitty gritty! These easy fall desserts are all about simplicity, and that starts with the ingredients.
Let's break down what you'll need for these dreamy apple crumble bars recipe .
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's the lowdown on what you need, measured out perfectly for your baking success:
- For the Crumble Base and Topping:
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (192g) . Just plain old all-purpose will do.
- Packed light brown sugar: ¾ cup (150g) . This gives it that lovely caramel-y flavour.
- Ground cinnamon: ¾ teaspoon .
- Baking powder: ½ teaspoon .
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon .
- Cold unsalted butter: ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks/170g) , cut into small cubes. Cold butter is key for that crumbly texture.
- Rolled oats (old fashioned): ½ cup (60g) .
- For the Apple Filling:
- Apples: 4 medium (about 1 ½ pounds) , peeled, cored, and diced. Granny Smiths are my go-to, but Honeycrisp or Gala work a treat too.
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50g) .
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons .
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon . Fresh is best!
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon .
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon .
For the apples, look for ones that are firm and not bruised. I once used some slightly soft apples, and the filling ended up a bit too mushy.
Honestly, it still tasted great, but the texture wasn't ideal. This applies to all easy apple desserts fall .
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk about flavour! This is where fall baking recipes easy truly shines.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg are a must! This autumn desserts easy is so easy because you can mix those 2 spices with anything and they are the essence of quick fall desserts
- Lemon juice brightens everything up and stops the apples from browning too quickly.
- Vanilla extract: A splash in the apple filling or the crumble mixture adds a lovely warmth.
Don't have nutmeg? Allspice works in a pinch. Not a fan of cinnamon? Cardamom is your friend. Get creative! Want to make apple pie bars ? Use fresh apple pie spice.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, right? For this easy apple crumble slice , you'll need:
- 9x13 inch baking pan. This is the perfect size.
- Parchment paper. Makes life SO much easier for clean up!
- Mixing bowls (2-3).
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Pastry blender or fork (optional). For cutting in the butter. Your fingers work just fine too.
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
No fancy gadgets needed! If you don't have a pastry blender, just use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour.
That's what my grandma always did for her apple dessert bars with oats , and they were always amazing. Now you can make a wonderful fall dessert bar recipes .
Cooking Method: The Secret to Easy Apple Crumble Bars
Listen up, buttercup! Wanna know how to nail easy fall desserts ? We're diving headfirst into making easy apple crumble bars .
It's all about the technique. I mean, anyone can throw ingredients together, right? But to get that perfect bake, let's get down to the method.
Remember, fall baking recipes easy are the best recipes.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first: mise en place. That's fancy French for "get your stuff together". Honestly, though, it's a game changer.
Measure out all your ingredients before you start. Dice your apples. Get that butter chilling! It might sound boring but trust me, it's a total time saver.
No one wants to be fumbling for cinnamon when the butter's already melting! Safety wise, watch those knives when chopping apples.
Blunt knives are more dangerous than sharp ones, so sharpen 'em up first!
step-by-step Process: Crumble Bar Bliss
- Line your 9x13 inch pan. Parchment paper is your friend.
- Make the crumble. Combine flour, sugar, spices, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter. It needs to look like coarse crumbs. Then stir in oats. Reserve 1 cup for topping.
- Press remaining crumble into the pan. Now, prep your apple filling .
- Toss apples with sugar, flour, lemon juice , and more spices.
- Spread filling. Sprinkle reserved crumble on top.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 35- 40 minutes . Golden brown is your goal.
- Cool completely. Resist the urge to cut!
Pro Tips: From Good to Gourmet
Want that edge? Cold butter is the key . It makes the crumble extra flaky. You know that apple dessert bars with oats just need that little something special.
Don't overbake! A golden brown topping and tender apples are perfect. Also, let these bars cool completely before slicing. Seriously. This is where the magic happens.
As for common mistakes, using warm butter or over mixing are your enemies. make-ahead? You can totally prep the crumble base and apple filling the day before.
Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble before baking. And that's how to make delicious fall dessert bar recipes ! If you are looking for quick fall desserts or even a simple autumn baking recipe, this is a great place to start.
And don't forget, if you're looking for an easy apple crumble slice , try this recipe without turning them into bars.
Looking for a specific search? Try "apple crumble bars recipe" or "apple pie bars".
Honestly, these autumn desserts easy are gonna be your new go-to. Enjoy, love!
Recipe Notes for the Best Apple Crumble Bars
Right, so you've got the recipe for these easy fall desserts , and now you're probably thinking, "Okay, but what else do I need to know?" Honestly, these notes are just as important as the actual recipe! They're all the little things I've learned while baking, so listen up!
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (or Not!)
Okay, so these apple crumble bars recipe are delicious on their own. However, you know what elevates them? Plating! Cut them into neat squares (or messy, rustic ones up to you!).
A dusting of powdered sugar looks cute. Serve warm. Want to go next level? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Or even better, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. You could even make a quick cream cheese frosting for the top if you want to take inspiration from fall dessert bar recipes .
Honestly, I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't judge me.
A warm cup of tea or some chilled apple cider goes perfectly with these bars. It just makes everything feel so autumnal, you know? Perfect for an afternoon treat or dessert after Sunday lunch.
Storage Tips: Make 'Em Last (If You Can!)
Let's be real. These probably won't last long. But, if you do have leftovers, here's what you need to do.
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for up to 3 days.
Wanna keep them for longer? Freeze 'em! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
They'll last for up to a month. When you're ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature.
Or, if you're impatient like me, microwave them for like 30 seconds ! Just watch it carefully!
To reheat: pop them in a microwave for a few seconds. The best results: Warm in the oven at 300° F ( 150° C) for 5- 10 minutes .
That way they stay crispy.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
Honestly, I love recipes that are adaptable. This easy apple crumble slice can easily tweaked to your liking! Wanna make it healthier? Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.
And you can reduce the sugar a tad. Need a dairy-free option? Use coconut oil instead of butter.
Also, if you don't fancy apples, use pears, peaches or nectarines. You could easily create a simple autumn baking version using blackberries.
Whatever is fresh and seasonal! This is a great recipe for quick fall desserts and easy apple desserts fall .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, I'm no nutritionist. But these bars do have some good stuff! Apples have fiber, which is great for digestion.
Oats are good for heart health. These apple pie bars are not exactly health food, but they're also not the worst thing you can eat.
Think of them as a treat. You know? Everything in moderation, darling.
These apple dessert bars with oats have everything you need.
So, go on, get baking! Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. And remember, even if they don't turn out perfectly, they'll still taste amazing.
Because, hey, they're apple crumble bars , right? You can't really go wrong! These fall baking recipes easy are for anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these easy fall desserts ahead of time? I'm having a Mary Berry style bake off!
Absolutely! These apple crumble bars are great for making ahead. Once baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw them completely before serving, and they'll be ready to impress your fellow bakers.
What kind of apples are best for these crumble bars? I want to avoid a soggy bottom situation!
For the best texture and flavor, use firm apples that hold their shape well during baking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples are all excellent choices. Avoid apples that tend to get mushy, like McIntosh.
Also, be sure to toss the apples with flour and lemon juice that helps absorb excess moisture and prevents a soggy base!
I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Are there any substitutions I can make to these easy fall desserts to lower the sugar or fat?
You can definitely make some healthy swaps! Try using unsweetened applesauce to replace some of the sugar in the apple filling. You could also reduce the amount of butter in the crumble and substitute some of it with coconut oil or even a little applesauce for added moisture.
Whole wheat flour can replace some of the all-purpose flour, to increase the fiber content.
My crumble topping always ends up too dry. What am I doing wrong?
A dry crumble topping is usually a sign that there's not enough fat in the mixture. Make sure your butter is very cold and cut into small cubes before incorporating it into the flour mixture. You might also need to add a touch more butter, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture clumps together nicely.
Avoid over mixing, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to a tougher, drier crumble.
Can I freeze these apple crumble bars? I've got a glut of apples and need to make the most of the season!
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these bars! Make sure they are completely cooled after baking. Cut them into individual bars, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. They'll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. A quick zap in the microwave can warm them up if desired.
I don't have a 9x13 inch pan. Can I use a different size pan for these easy fall desserts, and how would that affect baking time?
You can adapt the recipe to a different size pan, but it will affect the baking time and the thickness of the bars. A smaller pan, like an 8x8 inch square pan, will result in thicker bars and may require a slightly longer baking time (check for doneness after 40 minutes).
A larger pan will create thinner bars and may bake faster. Keep a close eye on them and adjust baking time accordingly, aiming for a golden brown topping and a tender apple filling.
Easy Apple Crumble Bars A Slice Of Autumn Deligh
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 300-350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-18g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
