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Apple Crumble Bars

These apple crumble bars combine a buttery, crumbly topping with tender, spiced apple filling in a portable, snackable form. The recipe involves baking a layered mixture of fresh apples and a crunchy oat crumble until golden and bubbling, resulting in a warm, fragrant dessert with a crisp texture. Perfect for fall gatherings, lunchboxes, or quick indulgences, they evoke cozy memories with every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
  • 1 cup rolled oats Old-fashioned preferred
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter Cubed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Optional but recommended
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Optional additional spices Nutmeg or allspice, if desired

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fingers
  • Peeler and knife
  • Skewer or toothpick

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease or line your 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
  2. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even chunks. Toss them with a tablespoon of lemon juice to keep them bright and prevent browning. Spread the apples evenly in the prepared pan.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Mix well to distribute everything evenly.
  4. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. This creates the crumbly topping.
  5. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples in the pan, pressing lightly with your fingers to help it stick and form a layered topping.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges. The house will fill with warm cinnamon and baked apple aroma.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
  8. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut the bars into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of caramel for added indulgence.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the oats slightly before mixing. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the crumble for more warmth. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.