Classic Apple Crumble Bars

Featured in: Warm Sweet Bakes

These bars feature a crisp, buttery crumble base and topping, surrounding a filling of diced apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The layers bake to a golden finish, creating a tender, flavorful treat that's perfect warm or cooled. Easy to prepare, these bars combine classic autumn flavors with a satisfying texture, ideal for sharing with family or serving alongside coffee or cream. Optional nuts add extra crunch, while tart apples provide balance.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:38:00 GMT
Classic Apple Crumble Bars topped with golden crumble, bursting with spiced apple goodness.  Save
Classic Apple Crumble Bars topped with golden crumble, bursting with spiced apple goodness. | toastybloom.com

A comforting dessert featuring layers of buttery crumble and tender spiced apples, perfect for snacking or serving with coffee.

This classic apple crumble has been a favorite in my family for years, bringing warmth and joy with every bite.

Ingredients

  • Crumble Base & Topping: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 1 large egg
  • Apple Filling: 4 medium apples (about 600 g), peeled, cored, and diced, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar, 1 tbsp (8 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 2 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Mix Crumble:
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Egg:
Add the egg and mix until just combined the mixture will be crumbly.
Form Base:
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
Prepare Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated.
Assemble:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crumble base. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the apples to cover.
Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Cool and Serve:
Allow to cool completely in the pan before using the parchment to lift out and slice into bars.
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This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, creating sweet memories with every bite.

Required Tools

9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, Mixing bowls, Paring knife, Pastry cutter or fork, Parchment paper

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter). For allergies, substitute gluten-free flour, vegan butter, or egg replacers as needed.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 2 g (per bar)

Warm apple crumble bars with buttery crust, perfect for afternoon coffee delight.  Save
Warm apple crumble bars with buttery crust, perfect for afternoon coffee delight. | toastybloom.com

Enjoy these bars fresh or chilled they’re a versatile treat perfect any time of day.

Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best?

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a balanced flavor and hold their shape well during baking.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, incorporating chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping adds a pleasant crunch.

How do I prevent the crumble from becoming soggy?

Coating the apples with flour and sugar helps absorb excess moisture, keeping the crumble crisp.

Is it better to serve warm or cooled?

These bars are delicious both warm, especially with vanilla ice cream, or completely cooled for easier slicing.

Can I adjust the spices to taste?

The cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth, but you can modify quantities or add spices such as allspice for variation.

Classic Apple Crumble Bars

Buttery crumble bars layered with tender spiced apples, ideal for a comforting snack or treat.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time for Cooking
40 minutes
Complete Time
65 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group Warm Sweet Bakes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 16 Portion Count

Dietary Notes Meat-Free

What You Need

Crumble Base & Topping

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
07 1 large egg

Apple Filling

01 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 2 tablespoons brown sugar
04 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
05 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients for crumble: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Incorporate the cold, cubed butter using fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 03

Add egg to crumble mixture: Add the egg and mix gently until just combined; mixture will remain crumbly.

Step 04

Form crumble base: Press approximately two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer.

Step 05

Prepare apple filling: In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.

Step 06

Assemble layers: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crumble base, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the apples to cover completely.

Step 07

Bake and cool: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the topping is golden and apples are bubbling. Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into bars.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paring knife
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter). Consider substitutes for gluten-free, vegan, or egg allergies.

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 2 g