Apple Crumble Bars

If you adore the comforting flavors of homemade apple crumble but want something a little easier (and perfectly portable), these Apple Crumble Bars are for you. They have a buttery, shortbread-style base, a cozy spiced apple filling, and a golden crumbly topping that’s simply irresistible. Add a drizzle of salted caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’ll make everyone swoon — whether it’s a weekday treat or a dinner party finale.

Ingredients

Base & Crumble Topping

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the Crumble Topping

• ⅓ cup (30g) old-fashioned rolled oats

Apple Filling

• 3–4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 cups)
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

To Serve (Optional)

• Warm salted caramel sauce
• Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch (20cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the sides.

Make the Base Mixture:
In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Add the egg and mix until a crumbly dough forms.

Form the Base:
Press about two-thirds of the dough firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.

Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the base is baking, combine the diced apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated.

Add the Crumble Topping:
Stir the oats into the remaining dough mixture. Use your fingers or a spoon to create a crumbly texture.

Assemble:
Spread the apple filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples, gently pressing some of the crumbs to help them adhere.

Bake to Perfection:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.

Cool and Serve:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

For an extra treat, top with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.