Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked apple pie wafting through the house. It’s a scent that evokes memories of family gatherings, cozy evenings, and festive celebrations. When I first tried these Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping, they were an instant hit with my family. The bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a bar, making them perfect for sharing. The buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and crunchy crumble topping create a symphony of textures and flavors that is utterly irresistible. My family loved them so much that they’ve become a staple dessert in our household, especially during the fall months when apples are at their peak.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping, you’ll need a selection of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The foundation of this recipe is a buttery crust, which is complemented by a sweet apple filling and a crumbly topping. Here is what you’ll need:

For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the apple filling:
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the crumble topping:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

Creating these Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping is a straightforward process, but it does take a bit of time to layer the flavors perfectly. Start by preparing your crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the flour and stir until a smooth dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
For the apple filling, in a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust, ensuring an even layer.
To make the crumble topping, combine brown sugar, flour, and oats in a bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts

These Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping serve approximately 12 people. Each serving contains roughly 320 calories. While they are a delicious treat, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. The bars provide a delightful balance of carbohydrates, fats, and a touch of protein, making them a filling dessert or snack option.

Preparation Time

The preparation time for these bars is relatively short, considering the layers of flavor and texture they offer. You can expect to spend about 20 minutes preparing the ingredients and assembling the bars. The baking time is approximately 50-55 minutes, which includes pre-baking the crust and the final bake. Allow an additional 30 minutes for the bars to cool before serving. In total, you can have these delicious apple pie bars ready to enjoy in about an hour and a half.

How to Serve

These Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
Serve them cold for a refreshing treat on a warm day.
Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent finish.
Sprinkle with a bit of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping turn out perfectly every time:

Choose the right apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
Don’t skip the lemon juice: It helps to prevent the apples from browning and adds a hint of brightness to the filling.
Chill the crumble topping: If you have time, chill the crumble topping before baking to ensure it stays crisp and crumbly.
Line your baking dish: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan.
Let them cool completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to ensure clean slices.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping:

Can I use a different fruit instead of apples? Yes, you can substitute other fruits like pears or peaches, but adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruit.
How should I store these bars? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Apple Pie Bars? Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I do if my crust is too crumbly? If the crust is too crumbly, try adding a bit more melted butter or press it more firmly into the baking dish.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

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