When autumn rolls in, I can’t resist making desserts that fill my kitchen with warm, cozy scents of cinnamon, apples, and buttery goodness. These Apple Crumb Bars are exactly that kind of dessert — easy to make, perfectly sweet, and they have just the right balance of soft apple filling and a golden crumbly topping.
What I love most is that they’re incredibly versatile. I’ve made these for family gatherings, potlucks, and quiet Sunday afternoons, and they’re always met with rave reviews. Plus, they store well and taste just as good the next day (if they last that long!).
Why You’ll Love These Apple Crumb Bars
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Soft apple filling with a buttery crumb topping
- Perfect for sharing or making ahead
- Great served warm with a scoop of ice cream
- Easy enough for a weeknight treat, special enough for holiday tables
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How I Make My Apple Crumb Bars
1. Preheat and Prep
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Crumb Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Then I pour in the melted butterand stir until the mixture turns crumbly.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, I toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This mixture smells incredible even before baking.
4. Layer and Assemble
I press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Then I spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust and sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
5. Bake
I bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. Cool and Slice
After baking, I let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. The waiting is the hardest part — but totally worth it!
My Best Tips for Perfect Apple Crumb Bars
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and balance of sweetness.
- Dice the apples small so they soften nicely in the oven.
- Press the bottom crust layer firmly so the bars hold together when slicing.
- Let them cool fully before cutting for clean slices.
What to Serve With These Bars
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
- A warm mug of spiced apple cider or hot coffee
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent finish
- Pair with a glass of chilled white wine for a sophisticated dessert
FAQs from My Kitchen to Yours
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! They keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or 5 days in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I use other fruit?
A: Definitely! Pears, mixed berries, or even peaches work beautifully with the same crumb base.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. The recipe works just as well.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Fall Baking
These Apple Crumb Bars are everything I crave in a fall dessert: warm, buttery, cinnamon-kissed, and so satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe will quickly become one you’ll turn to again and again. They’re homey, comforting, and taste like autumn in every bite.
I’d love to hear if you try them — and how you like to serve yours! If you top them with caramel sauce, add nuts, or serve with homemade whipped cream, share your twist!
Apple Crumb Bars: The Perfect Fall Dessert That Never Fails
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and flour, then spread the apple mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
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