Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars

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Apple Crumb Bars 🥧

These Apple Crumb Bars combine the cozy flavors of apple pie with the ease of a dessert bar. A buttery crust doubles as the crumb topping, layered with warm cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a sweet afternoon treat!

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 12–16 bars

Ingredients

For the Crust & Topping

  • 2½ cups **all-purpose flour**
  • 1 cup **granulated sugar**
  • ½ teaspoon **baking powder**
  • ½ teaspoon **ground cinnamon**
  • 1 cup **unsalted butter** (cold, cubed)
  • 1 large **egg**

For the Apple Filling

  • 5 cups **apples**, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup **granulated sugar**
  • 2 tablespoons **all-purpose flour**
  • ½ teaspoon **ground cinnamon**
  • ¼ teaspoon **ground nutmeg**

Instructions

  1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Lightly grease a **9×13-inch baking pan**.
  2. **Make the Crust & Topping:** In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles **coarse crumbs**. Stir in the egg until combined. **Press half of this mixture** into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. **Prepare the Filling:** In another bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture **evenly over the crust**.
  4. **Add the Crumb Topping:** Sprinkle the **remaining crust mixture** over the apples for a rustic crumb topping.
  5. **Bake & Cool:** Bake for **40–45 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. **Let cool completely** before slicing into bars.

✨ Pro Tips

  • Use a **mix of tart and sweet apples** (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for the best flavor balance.
  • **Chill the crust mixture** for 10 minutes before baking for a crisper texture.
  • Drizzle with **caramel sauce** before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
  • **Storage:** Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

 

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