Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like Grandma’s baking — warm, comforting, and made with love. These Apple Crumb Bars capture that nostalgic flavor of fresh apples and buttery crumbs in every bite. With a tender crust, a sweet-tart apple filling, and a golden crumb topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion — from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoons with tea.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust and Crumb Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together in small clumps.
- Form the Base Layer: Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Set the remaining half aside for the topping.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In another bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Description
These Apple Crumb Bars feature layers of buttery, tender crust and crumb topping sandwiching a cinnamon-spiced apple filling. The combination of sweet and tart apples with a golden crumble makes each bite taste like a slice of homemade apple pie — but in an easy-to-eat bar form. Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or simply when you crave a classic dessert.
Tips
- Use cold butter for the best crumb texture — it helps create a crisp, buttery crust.
- Try a mix of apple varieties for deeper flavor.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect finish.
Correction
If the topping browns too quickly before the apples are tender, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil halfway through baking. This prevents over-browning while ensuring the filling cooks perfectly.
Enjoy
Serve these warm, golden Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars with a steaming cup of coffee or tea — and enjoy a taste of home with every bite. They’re comforting, delicious, and guaranteed to bring a smile, just like Grandma used to make.
