Apple Crumble Bars
These apple crumble bars are packed with oats, spiced stewed apples, and golden crumble. Perfect for a comforting dessert or a handy fall snack after orchard visits.
Servings: 9 bars
Calories: 398kcal
Ingredients
Oat Base Layer
- 1/3 cup butter softened, unsalted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
Stewed Apple Filling
- 7 medium-sized apples Peeled, cored, 3/4-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup butter softened, unsalted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mix thoroughly until thoroughly combined.1/3 cup butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add the rolled oats, flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage. Press the dough into the prepared pan in an even base layer to create the bottom crust.1/2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/8 tsp salt
- Add the apple pieces, lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar to a medium-sized, lidded pot. Stir to combine all ingredients. Stew the apples with the lid covering the pot on medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. The apples should be softened but still hold their shape. Drain any excess liquid from the spices apples and spread them evenly over the bottom crust in an even layer.7 medium-sized apples, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, flour, and butter using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple mixture.1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Bake the apple bars in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the crumbs are golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Let the bars cool lightly in the pan before slicing them in bars or squares.
Notes
Crumbs: Instead of your hands, make the crumbs with a pastry blender or an electric mixer with a paddle attachment.
Fruit filling: Use store-bought apple pie filling instead of stewing the apples yourself if you're short on time. My stewed apples and pears make a delicious mixed fruit filling as well.
Storage: Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them as well. Ensure they are completely cooled, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature and reheat them slightly in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 629IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 2mg
