Apple Pie Bars with Cinnamon Crumble

Hey, friends! 🥰 It’s Astrid from AstridRecipes.com, and I’m about to take your taste buds on a wild ride with these dreamy Apple Pie Bars with a crunchy cinnamon crumble topping. Get ready for a serious flavor explosion that will have you doing a happy dance in the kitchen. (And maybe even talking to your food. No judgment here!) 🕺

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Bars with Cinnamon Crumble

Gather ’round, my fellow comfort food enthusiasts, because these apple pie bars are about to become your new obsession. 😍 Picture this: layers of buttery, flaky crust, juicy apple pie filling, and a crunchy, cinnamony topping that’ll have you licking the plate clean. It’s like someone took the best parts of apple pie and turned it into an easy-to-make, handheld treat. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be planning your next batch. 🍎💕

Key Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bars with Cinnamon Crumble

Listen up, bakers! The key to perfect apple pie bars is to avoid over-baking the crust. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of dry, crumbly disasters. 🙈 The trick is to keep an eye on that crust and pull it out of the oven as soon as it’s golden brown and flaky. No one wants a hard, tough crust – we’re going for buttery perfection here, folks.

  • The #1 Trick for Better Flavor/Texture — Now, for the secret to mind-blowing flavor and texture: use a variety of apples! 🍎 Granny Smiths for that perfect tart-sweet balance, Honeycrisps for juicy sweetness, and maybe even a few Galas for a touch of natural caramel notes. This apple medley is a total game-changer, trust me. 🤩
  • Biggest Mistake to Avoid — Listen up, bakers! The key to perfect apple pie bars is to avoid over-baking the crust. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of dry, crumbly disasters. 🙈 The trick is to keep an eye on that crust and pull it out of the oven as soon as it’s golden brown and flaky. No one wants a hard, tough crust – we’re going for buttery perfection here, folks.
  • The #1 Trick for Better Flavor/Texture — Now, for the secret to mind-blowing flavor and texture: use a variety of apples! 🍎 Granny Smiths for that perfect tart-sweet balance, Honeycrisps for juicy sweetness, and maybe even a few Galas for a touch of natural caramel notes. This apple medley is a total game-changer, trust me. 🤩

What to Serve With Apple Pie Bars with Cinnamon Crumble

Alright, let’s talk about what to serve with these apple pie bars. You can’t go wrong with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream – it’s like a match made in heaven! 🍨 But if you’re feeling fancy, try topping them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool, creamy contrast is simply divine. 😋

  • Vanilla Ice Cream — Because who doesn’t love a little a la mode action? The cool creaminess is the perfect foil to the warm, spiced apples. 🍨
  • Whipped Cream — For an extra touch of elegance, top these bars with a swirl of freshly whipped cream. The cool, fluffy contrast is simply heavenly. 🥛
  • Caramel Sauce — Drizzle on some homemade caramel sauce for an over-the-top, indulgent treat. The sweet, gooey topping takes these bars to a whole new level. 🍯
  • Spiced Cider — Sipping on a warm mug of apple cider while enjoying these bars is the ultimate cozy combo. The spicy-sweet flavors are a match made in heaven. 🍵

When to serve it: These apple pie bars are perfect for any occasion – from a cozy night in to a festive holiday gathering. Whip them up for your next potluck, family dinner, or Netflix binge session. The possibilities are endless! 🎉

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather up our star players for this apple pie extravaganza: all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and of course, the star of the show – a mix of your favorite apples. 🍎 Once you’ve got everything prepped, it’s time to get baking! 🔥

  • 2 cups (250g) — All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (230g) — Unsalted butter, cold
  • 1 cup (200g) — Granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons — Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon — Salt

Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)

  • Flour → Gluten-free all-purpose flour (still delicious, promise) ✅
  • Butter → Coconut oil (easy dietary swap) 👍

How to Make Apple Pie Bars with Cinnamon Crumble (Step-by-Step)

Alright, let’s get baking! These apple pie bars are surprisingly simple to whip up, even if you’re more of a casual cook than a seasoned pro. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to apple pie heaven. 🍎

Step 1: Prep the Crust

First things first, let’s get that crust ready. 🥣 In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Then, cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. (Pro tip: use your hands for this part – it’s way more fun than a fork!) 🙌 Once you’ve got your dough-like mixture, press it into a greased baking pan and bake until it’s just starting to turn golden.

Step 2: Assemble the Filling

Now, for the star of the show – the apple pie filling! 🍎 Grab a few of your favorite apple varieties, peel and slice them up, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of cornstarch. Spread this heavenly mixture over the pre-baked crust and get ready for the grand finale.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

Time to make that crumble topping! 🥳 In a small bowl, mix together more flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter until it forms a delightfully crumbly texture. Sprinkle this over the apple filling and bake until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. 🤤

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Once those bars come out of the oven, you’ll be tempted to dive in headfirst. 😋 But hold on tight, my friends! Let them cool completely before slicing, otherwise you’ll end up with a delicious (but messy) situation on your hands. 🙈 Trust me, the wait will be worth it.

Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)

Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.

  • Get Nutty — A sprinkling of chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumble topping adds an extra layer of crunch that’s simply divine. 🥜
  • Drizzle On Some Sweetness — For an extra indulgent treat, try drizzling the cooled bars with a sweet vanilla or caramel glaze. It’s like taking these bars to the next level. 🍯
  • Swap the Fruit — Feel free to get creative and use pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries instead of apples. Just be sure to adjust the sugar and spices accordingly. 🍐🍓
  • Upgrade to Individual Servings — For a fancier presentation, bake these in a muffin tin to create individual apple pie bites. They’re perfect for parties or as a fun dessert option. 🧁

Need more inspiration? Check out Allrecipes’ fruit dessert ideas for even more delicious twists. 🍎✨

Warning: This may cause sudden happiness and suspicious silence at the dinner table. Proceed responsibly. 😅

Serving & Storage

TopicNotes
Best serving ideasServe these apple pie bars at room temperature or slightly warmed. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. 🍨
Fridge storageRefrigerate any leftover bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezer storageThese bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating (oven/air fryer)The oven is the way to go for the best texture. Bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
Make-ahead tipsThese apple pie bars can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

Nutrition Notes

Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the nutrition facts. 🤫 I won’t sugarcoat it, these apple pie bars are a bit of an indulgence. But hey, life’s too short to not enjoy a little comfort food now and then, am I right? 😉 Just remember to savor every bite and maybe go for a extra-long walk after. Your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you!

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbs: 47 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Apple Pie Bars with Cinnamon Crumble

Apple Pie Bars with Cinnamon Crumble

These delicious apple pie bars are topped with a cinnamon crumble, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (about 3 medium apples)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  3. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly.
  4. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the topping.
  5. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine chopped apples, cinnamon, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Spread over the crust.
  7. Add the reserved crumb mixture on top of the apples, followed by the oats and vanilla extract.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Let cool before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

 

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

  • Author: Astrid
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizers & Dips 🥨
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: apple pie, dessert, bars, cinnamon crumble

Quick Questions People Always Ask*

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?

Absolutely! These bars would be equally delicious with pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries. Just be sure to adjust the sugar and spices to complement your chosen fruit. The possibilities are endless, my friends! 🍎🍐🍓

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Keep an eye on that crumble topping – when it’s a beautiful golden brown and the apples are bubbly, that’s your cue that they’re ready to come out of the oven. 🔍 You can also do the good ol’ toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center and if it comes out clean, you’re all set!

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

You bet! These apple pie bars are perfect for making in advance. Bake them up to 3 days ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and simply reheat before serving. That way, you can enjoy all the cozy, comforting flavors without the last-minute stress. 😌

How do I get that perfect crumbly topping?

The secret to an irresistible crumble topping is in the texture. Make sure your butter is nice and cold when you mix it in with the flour and sugar. And don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty – use your fingertips to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort! 👌

Can I freeze these apple pie bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze like a dream. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave. Easy peasy! 🙌

Try These Next

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating