Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars

$To make these delicious bars, gather these essential ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 3 cups) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients work together to create a soft crust, sweet apples, and a crunchy topping. The balance of flavors is what makes this treat so special. If you want to switch it up, try using different flours or sweeteners. You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Almond flour is a great gluten-free option, too. For sweeteners, maple syrup or coconut sugar can add unique flavors. Just remember to adjust the amounts for best results. Toppings can really elevate your Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars. Consider these add-ins: - Chopped nuts for crunch - Dried fruits for extra sweetness - A sprinkle of oats for texture You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. For an extra treat, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. These add-ons make your dessert even more delightful! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This will help you lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, mix these dry ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Stir until well combined. Now, pour in 1 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix it until you get a crumbly texture. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of your baking pan. This forms the crust layer. In another bowl, take 3 medium apples. Peel and dice them into small pieces, about 3 cups total. Toss the apple pieces with: - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Make sure the apples are well coated with the mixture. Spread this apple filling over the crust in the baking pan. Distribute it evenly. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the apples. Make sure to cover them well. Now, it's time to bake! Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and tender apples. When done, remove the pan and let it cool for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift out the bars. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. Then, cut into bars and enjoy! To get a great crumble texture, mix your dry ingredients well. Use cold butter to keep the crumble firm. When you mix it with your hands, aim for pea-sized pieces. This helps create a nice crunch when baked. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little melted butter. The best apples for baking are sweet and firm. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They hold their shape well and give a nice tartness. You can also use Fuji or Gala apples for added sweetness. Mix different apple types for more flavor depth. These bars taste amazing warm or cold. For a special touch, dust them with powdered sugar. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect treat. Pro Tips Use Firm Apples: Choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tart flavor and firm texture that holds up well during baking. Chill the Dough: If your crumble mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan to ensure a sturdier crust. Layering Flavors: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of maple syrup to the apple mixture. Perfect Cooling: Allow the crumble bars to cool completely on a wire rack to ensure they set properly before cutting for clean, neat bars. {{image_2}} To make gluten-free cinnamon apple crumble bars, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that contain a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. This change keeps the texture light and crumbly. Use certified gluten-free oats as well. These small swaps allow everyone to enjoy this treat! For vegan cinnamon apple crumble bars, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a flax egg instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. You can also substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a plant-based sweetener. These options make the recipe friendly for a vegan diet. If you want to spice things up, add nutmeg or ginger to your bars. A pinch of nutmeg pairs well with cinnamon and enhances the flavor. You can also use ground ginger for a warm and zesty twist. Simply replace half of the cinnamon with either of these spices, or add them to the apple filling for extra warmth. These variations create a unique taste and keep your palate excited! Store your Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to five days. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. If you prefer them warm, let them cool first. Then, cut them into bars. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To freeze the bars, allow them to cool completely. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. These bars can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also microwave them for a few seconds for a quick treat. To reheat your bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are warm. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. This makes them soft and delicious again. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for a special touch! Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Wrapped well, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. Yes, you can use different types of apples! Some great options are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. Each type adds its unique flavor and sweetness. Mixing different apples can also give your bars a fun twist. Just make sure to peel and dice them before adding them to the filling. To serve Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars warm, let them cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Then, cut them into squares. For an extra treat, top each square with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A dusting of powdered sugar can add a nice touch too. Enjoy the warm, gooey apple filling with that crunchy topping! Cinnamon apple crumble bars are a tasty treat. We covered key ingredients, including flours, toppings, and apples. Step-by-step, I outlined how to prep, mix, and serve these delicious bars. Tips ensured the perfect crumble texture, while variations catered to many diets. You can easily store or freeze leftovers. Enjoy making these simple bars for friends and family. They're sure to delight everyone!$

Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars

Delicious bars made with a crumbly topping and a sweet apple filling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
3.75 cups brown sugar, packed
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 medium apples, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
0.5 cup granulated sugar
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Set aside 1 cup of the mixture for topping.
Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust layer.
In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
Spread the apple mixture over the crust layer in the baking pan, distributing it evenly.
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the apples, covering them well.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before lifting out using the overhanging parchment paper.
Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Notes

Dust with a little powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch, and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Keyword apple, bars, crumble, dessert