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Overhead picture of apple crumb bars cut into squares with one in the center turned on its side.

Apple Pie Crumb Bars

Audrey
Apple Pie Crumble Bars are buttery, sweet, and warmly spiced with a golden crumble topping and soft apple filling. The crust and topping are made from the same dough for a simple and delicious fall dessert.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9 people
Calories 466 kcal

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • 8x8 pan
  • Small sauce pan

Ingredients
  

For the crust and crumb:

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour 300g
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar 100g
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed (100g)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed (226g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

For the apple filling:

  • 4 cups peeled and chopped apples 450–500g, about 4–5 medium apples
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar 65g
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoon water for mixing with cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Prep the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.
  • Make the crust & crumb: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and both sugars. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg and vanilla until combined and clumpy (Whisk the egg and vanilla together before adding).
  • Form the base: Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to form an even crust. Set the remaining third aside for the topping.
  • Cook the apple filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the apples start to soften and release juices.
  • Make the slurry: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the apple mixture and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Assemble: Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Crumble the reserved dough mixture over the top.
  • Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  • Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For clean slices, chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours before cutting.
  • Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy as is—or warm slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra coziness.

Notes

NOTE: I bake by weight for accuracy. Cup measurements are approximate and may vary depending on how you scoop.
Audrey’s Tip: Mixing the cornstarch with water before adding it to the apples helps avoid clumping and creates a glossy, jammy filling. I like using a mix of tart and sweet apples for balance—try Granny Smith and Honeycrisp!

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 4gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 2gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 631IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg
Keyword apple, crumb bars
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