Easy Apple Crumble Bars
These homemade apple squares are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, bake sales and family celebrationsbecause they are easy to make ahead, travel well and can be served without plates or forks. Cut them into small squares for a dessert tray or serve them slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for an easy fall dessert everyone will enjoy.
Short Description
These easy apple crumble squares have a buttery base, warm cinnamon apple filling and a golden crumb topping. Soft in the middle, crisp on top and full of real apple flavour.
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Why It’s Good
They are easy to make, slice neatly once cooled and travel well. The small diced apples soften nicely without turning mushy, while the crumble stays rich and buttery.
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When to Serve It
Serve these apple crumble bars at holiday gatherings, potlucks, bake sales or family dinners. They are also lovely slightly warm with vanilla ice cream.
Simple ingredients for buttery homemade apple crumble bars.
These simple pantry ingredients come together to make the buttery base and golden crumble topping for these easy apple crumble bars. Softened butter, flour, sugar, egg and vanilla create a rich, crumbly mixture that is used for both layers, which keeps the recipe nice and easy.
Fresh apples and warm spices for homemade apple crumble bars.
These simple ingredients make the warmly spiced apple filling for these easy apple crumble bars. Finely diced apples are mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice and cornstarch, creating a soft, flavourful filling that thickens nicely as the bars bake.
Four easy steps for homemade apple crumble bars.
Tips and Tricks
- Dice the apples fairly small so they soften evenly and the apple crumble bars are easier to slice. Large chunks can make the filling fall out.
- Use firm baking apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the filling better flavour.
- Use softened butter, not melted butter, for the crumble mixture. It should look slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Press the bottom layer firmly into the lined pan. This creates a sturdy buttery base that supports the soft cinnamon apple filling.
- Let the apple crumble squares cool completely before slicing. It is tempting to cut them warm, but the filling needs time to thicken and set.
- For clean slices, lift the cooled bars out with the parchment paper and use a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between cuts if the apple filling sticks.
Variations
- Add chopped nuts: Mix ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Try different apples: Granny Smith gives a tart flavour, while Honeycrisp or Gala makes the apple crumble barsa little sweeter.
- Add caramel: Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the crumble topping.
- Include berries: Replace 1 cup of the diced apples with fresh blueberries, raspberries or cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Make them extra spiced: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the cinnamon apple filling. A little goes a long way.
- Finish with icing: Drizzle the cooled apple crumble squares with a simple vanilla glaze for holiday gatherings or dessert trays.
Storage
- Store cooled apple crumble bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between the layers so the crumb topping stays tidy.
- Let the bars cool completely before covering them. Trapped warmth can create moisture and soften the buttery crumble topping.
- Serve the apple squares chilled, at room temperature or warmed briefly in the microwave. They are especially good slightly warm.
- To freeze, wrap each bar individually and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Easy Apple Crumble Bars
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Paring knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
Crumble Base and Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter unsalted and softened
- 1 egg large
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples peeled and finely diced, about 4 medium apples
- â…“ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the baking pan.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang along the sides. This makes the cooled apple crumble bars much easier to lift out.
Make the crumble mixture.
- Add the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Add the softened butter, egg and vanilla, then mix with a fork or your fingertips until a soft, crumbly dough forms. The mixture does not need to look perfectly smooth.
Press in the base.
- Set aside about one-third of the crumble mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Prepare the apple filling.
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla and salt. Stir until the apples are evenly coated. Dice the apples fairly small so they soften properly and the squares slice neatly.
Assemble the apple crumble bars.
- Spread the cinnamon apple filling evenly over the base. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the apples, leaving a few small spaces where the filling can show through.
Bake until golden.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling lightly around the edges.
Cool and slice.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. Lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 12 squares with a sharp knife.
Notes
- Use firm baking apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for the best apple crumble bars. A mix of tart and sweet apples works especially well.
- Dice the apples fairly small so they soften evenly and the apple crumble squares hold together when sliced.
- Use softened butter, not melted butter. The crumble mixture should look a little rough but hold together when pressed.
- Press the bottom layer firmly into the pan to create a sturdy base for the cinnamon apple filling.
- Let the baked bars cool completely before cutting. The apple filling thickens as it cools, and the slices will be much neater.
- For extra flavour, add a pinch of ground ginger or a handful of chopped pecans to the crumble topping.
- Serve these easy apple crumble bars at room temperature or slightly warmed with vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
Ellen Britt
Hi, I’m Ellen — a passionate home cook dedicated to creating easy, flavorful recipes inspired by real-life cooking and shared family traditions. Every recipe on this site is a true collaboration, developed and tested together in our kitchen to ensure it’s reliable, simple to follow, and absolutely delicious.
For another easy holiday dessert, try these Pumpkin Cream Squares. Their light, creamy filling and warm fall spices make a lovely contrast to the buttery apple crumble bars on a potluck or Christmas dessert tray.
