Apple Crumb Bars

November 16, 2025 by mina sweets

Ingredients

For the Crust & Crumb Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (prevents browning and enhances flavor)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (thickens the filling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust & Crumb Topping

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Add cold cubed butter and vanilla extract, then use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until crumbly.
3. Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. Set the remaining half aside for the crumb topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until well coated.
2. Evenly spread the apple mixture over the crust.

Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping & Bake

1. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
2. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are soft.
3. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Easy & Delicious: These Apple Crumb Bars are a simple, handheld version of classic apple pie.
• Perfect Texture: A buttery shortbread crust, soft cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and crunchy crumb topping.
• Customizable: Easily make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower in sugar with simple swaps.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They taste even better the next day, making them great for meal prep or holidays.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 12 bars)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg