Sweet Apple Crisp Bars: A Simple Crumb Topping Recipe

Warm, golden apple crisp bars with crumb topping bring comfort to every bite.

Sweet autumn apples nestled perfectly in a buttery, crispy foundation create an irresistible dessert.

Layers of tender, spiced fruit mingle with a crunchy, caramelized topping that whispers of home-baked goodness.

Cinnamon and brown sugar dance through each delectable square, promising a nostalgic treat.

The combination of soft fruit and crisp crumble delivers pure bakery magic.

These bars transform simple ingredients into a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

One taste will transport you straight to cozy kitchen memories.

What Makes Apple Crisp Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe So Good

• This apple crisp bars recipe requires simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it super easy for bakers of all skill levels to whip up a delicious dessert.
• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats, these bars offer a classic combination of sweet apples and buttery crumb topping that everyone will love.
• Easily adaptable with different apple varieties and spices, this recipe works wonderfully throughout autumn and winter, bringing warmth and coziness to any occasion.
• With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can create a homemade dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to make, impressing friends and family effortlessly.

Everything You Need for Apple Crisp Bars with Crumb Topping

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, crumbly texture for the base.
• Light Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps the base become golden and crisp.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the base.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that provides a sweet and slightly tart flavor to the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds additional sweetness to the apple filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, classic spice that complements the apples perfectly.
• Lemon Juice: Helps prevent apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note.

• All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Create a crunchy and textured topping for the bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crumb topping and adds richness.
• Light Brown Sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps the topping caramelize.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the crumb layer.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

How to Make Apple Crisp Bars with Crumb Topping Easily

Step 1: Make the Buttery Base

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting.

• Flour
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Salt

Press mixture evenly into the pan.

Bake for 15–18 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling

Thinly slice Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples

• Cinnamon
• Sugar
• Lemon juice

Spread evenly over the baked crust.

Step 3: Mix the Crumb Topping

• Flour
• Rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cold butter

Mix with fingers until crumbly.

Sprinkle over the apple layer to cover completely.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and the apples are bubbly.

Cool completely in the pan.

Lift out using parchment and slice into bars.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel. Serve and enjoy!

Smart Tips for Apple Crisp Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

• Use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to create an even, compact crust for better structural integrity and consistent texture.
• Pat apple slices dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the bars soggy and ensuring a crisp bottom layer.
• Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the crumb topping to add warm, aromatic depth to the apple crisp bars.
• Watch the crumb layer closely during the final baking stage and rotate the pan if needed to ensure uniform browning without burning.
• Cool bars completely before cutting and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain optimal texture and taste.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Crisp Bars with Crumb Topping

• Store apple crisp bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap the entire uncut pan tightly with plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bars into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for quick grab-and-go treats.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture and warm, comforting flavor.

Best Pairings for Apple Crisp Bars with Crumb Topping

• Pair Warm Apple Comfort with Rich Beverages: Classic bourbon or spiced rum complements the sweet, buttery apple crisp bars, adding depth to each bite.
• Enhance Dessert with Creamy Accompaniments: Vanilla bean ice cream or whipped mascarpone cheese creates a luxurious contrast against the crisp's warm, crunchy texture.
• Match Beverage Complexity with Flavor Profile: Chai tea or caramel latte echoes the warm spices and caramelized notes inherent in the apple crisp, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Elevate with Unexpected Flavor Combinations: Aged cheddar cheese provides a savory counterpoint to the dessert's sweetness, offering a sophisticated and surprising pairing.

Creative Variations for Apple Crisp Bars with Crumb Topping

• Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats for the crumb topping.
• Vegan Apple Crisp Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Apple Crisp Bars: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar, and reduce the overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Nutty Apple Crisp Bars: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch and nutty richness, enhancing the texture and flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are the ingredients difficult to find?

Most ingredients like flour, butter, brown sugar, and apples are common pantry staples you can easily get at any grocery store or supermarket.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best because they’re firm and hold their shape during baking, providing a nice texture and balance of sweetness.

• Do I need special equipment to make these bars?

A food processor helps create the perfect crumb base, but you can also use a pastry cutter or two forks to mix the base ingredients if you don’t have one.

• How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden brown color on the crumb topping and a slightly set center. The edges should be lightly crisp, and the apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Apple Crisp Bars With Crumb Topping Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade apple crisp bars blend sweet cinnamon-spiced apples with buttery crumb layers, creating a delightful dessert that sings of autumn’s warmth. Crisp edges, gooey center, and rich flavors invite you to savor each delectable bite of this classic comfort treat.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup butter (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Apple Filling Ingredients:

• 4 large apples (peeled and sliced)
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crumb Topping Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 dash salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven to 300°F (150°C) to establish the initial baking environment for the base layer.
2. Transform butter, flour, light brown sugar, and salt into a cohesive mixture using a food processor, pulsing until small, irregular clusters form, creating a textured foundation.
3. Transfer the crumbly base into a 13-inch baking pan, meticulously distributing and compacting the mixture with a spatula to generate a uniform, dense layer.
4. Introduce the pan to the preheated oven, allowing the base to bake for 15 minutes until lightly set and developing a golden hue.
5. Carefully extract the pan, incrementally elevate the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), preparing for the subsequent baking phase.
6. Arrange apple slices uniformly across the pre-baked base, ensuring complete and even coverage to maximize fruit distribution.
7. Construct the crumb topping by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter, gently mixing until a coarse, granular texture emerges.
8. Generously sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apple layer, creating a textured, rustic coating that will transform into a crisp, golden crust.
9. Return the pan to the oven, baking for 35-40 minutes until the topping turns a rich golden brown and the apple filling bubbles provocatively.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely, which helps the layers set and intensifies the flavor profile.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better incorporation into the dry ingredients.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean cutting of the bars.
• Grate cold butter directly into the flour mixture to create a more even, flaky crumb base that holds together perfectly.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to maintain the same texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg