Description
These Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect blend of buttery crust, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy oat topping. Ideal for fall baking or whenever you’re craving something cozy and sweet, this simple dessert brings warm, homemade flavor to your table with minimal effort.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Home bakers looking for a no-fuss dessert
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Apple lovers who want a sweet treat without the hassle of pie
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Busy parents needing a lunchbox snack or after-dinner sweet
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Anyone wanting to impress guests with a rustic, comforting dessert
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned cook, this recipe is foolproof and delicious every time.
Why it’s Great
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Simple Ingredients – No fancy items here! You probably already have everything in your pantry.
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Versatile – Enjoy warm or cold, alone or with a scoop of ice cream.
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Portable – Great for picnics, bake sales, or potlucks.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
For the Base & Crumble Topping:
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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Pinch of salt
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1 large egg
For the Crumble Add-In:
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⅓ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick or instant)
For the Apple Filling:
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3–4 Granny Smith apples, diced (about 4 cups)
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Mixing bowls
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8-inch square baking pan
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Spatula or spoon
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Knife and cutting board
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8-inch square pan.
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In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Add in the egg and mix until a dough forms.
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Set aside ⅓ of the dough for the topping.
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Press the remaining ⅔ into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
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Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
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In another bowl, toss the diced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
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Add the oats to the reserved ⅓ dough and mix until combined.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
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Evenly spread the apple mixture over the baked crust.
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Crumble the oat topping over the apples.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
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Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Storage
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples add a tart balance, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix for different flavors.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the skins on for extra fiber and color.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time as needed.
Conclusion
Apple Crumble Bars are the ultimate dessert for cozy nights, family gatherings, or just treating yourself to something sweet. With layers of buttery crust, cinnamon-kissed apples, and crunchy oat topping, they deliver all the flavor of apple pie with none of the fuss. Bake a batch today and taste the comfort!
