Easy Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that has the warm, cozy vibes of a classic apple pie but is so much easier to handle and share, I’ve got you covered with my Easy Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe. These bars are the perfect blend of tender apple filling tucked between buttery shortbread layers and topped with the crunchiest crumb topping you can imagine. I promise, once you make these, you’ll be hooked — they’re downright addictive!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe pulls its weight to create those classic apple pie flavors, wrapped up in a buttery shortbread embrace. I always suggest picking crisp, tart apples for that perfect balance against the sweet crumb topping.

• Chopped apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great — they hold their shape and provide crispness and tartness.
• Granulated sugar: This sweetens the apples and the crumb topping — feel free to adjust based on your apple sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Used both in the dough and for dusting apples to help thicken the filling.
• Lemon juice: A secret weapon to keep the apples from browning and to add a bright note.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that make the filling so comforting.
• Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed butter is key to that crumbly shortbread texture you’ll love.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Easy Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe is how you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to play around — baking is about making something your own.

• Gluten-free: I swapped in a gluten-free baking flour blend once, and it worked beautifully—just ensure your blend has xanthan gum for structure.
• Add walnuts or pecans: Sprinkling chopped nuts into the crumb topping adds an irresistible crunch and nuttiness my family adores.
• Spiced it up: I sometimes throw in a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
• Use different fruits: Pears or a mix of berries work well if you want to mix things up seasonally.

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat Like a Pro

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While that’s warming up, grease an 8-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper with a good couple inches of overhang on the sides—it makes lifting out the bars a breeze after baking. Trust me, this little step is worth it for clean cuts and less mess.

Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling

Grab your chopped apples and toss them with the granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix is crucial because the flour helps thicken the apple juices so the bars don’t get soggy, and lemon juice keeps the fruit bright and fresh. I like to let this sit for a bit while I prepare the crust to let the flavors marry.

Step 3: Make the Shortbread Dough

Now for the magic part—the crumbly dough. Combine your flour, cold cubed unsalted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold—it gives you that perfect crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Press about two-thirds of the dough firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Then, spread your apple filling evenly over it. Finally, sprinkle the remaining dough on top as the crumb topping—don’t worry if it looks uneven; that’s part of its rustic charm. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for around 55 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling beneath.

How to Serve Easy Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that classic apple pie à la mode feel. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top just before serving to amp up the cozy aroma. Fresh mint leaves add a nice pop of color and a fresh twist if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea. For a full afternoon treat, I’ve served them alongside sharp cheddar cheese slices – the salty cheese complements the sweetness wonderfully, a classic combo you might want to try!

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I’ve arranged these bars neatly on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks around them. It looks stunning and invites guests to dig right in. Another fun idea: drizzle the bars with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts to really steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though in our house, they rarely last that long! After that, I move them to the fridge to keep them fresh for about 4-5 days. Just make sure to bring them back to room temp before serving to regain some softness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I cut the bars into squares, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze in a zip-top bag. When I want a treat, I just thaw them on the counter; they soften up nicely without losing that crumbly texture.

Reheating

To refresh these bars, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for around 10 minutes. The crumb topping crisps back up, and that warm apple filling is just like fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe really holds a special place in my heart—it’s a simple, no-fail way to get those classic homeschool or family gathering dessert vibes without fussing over pie dough or complicated steps. I love how it bridges rustic charm and reliable, everyday baking, perfect for sharing with people you care about. Give these bars a try — I bet they’ll become your go-to dessert for fall and beyond!

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