Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars
These bars pack all the flavors of apple crumble into a handheld treat. The bottom layer stays firm while the apple filling gets jammy and sweet.
Your kitchen will smell incredible while they bake.
Brown Butter Makes Everything Better
Browning the butter for your crumble topping changes everything. Heat it until it smells nutty and turns golden. This takes about 4 minutes of constant stirring. Let it cool completely before mixing with your oats and flour, or you’ll melt the other ingredients.
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Apple Variety Affects Final Texture
Granny Smith apples hold their shape best during baking. Honeycrisp works too but gets softer. Avoid Red Delicious – they turn mushy. Cut your apples into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Toss them with cornstarch to prevent a soggy bottom crust.
Press That Bottom Layer Hard
Your base needs serious compression to stay together. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. The edges should come up the sides slightly. If it’s too crumbly, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter and press again.
Cutting Clean Squares Without Crumbling
- Chill bars for 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares.
- Store covered at room temperature for 3 days, or freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my bottom crust fall apart when I cut the bars?
The base wasn’t pressed firmly enough or the bars were cut while still warm. Press harder next time and let them cool completely.
Can I substitute quick oats for old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats give better texture, but quick oats work in a pinch. The crumble will be less chunky and more uniform.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy bottoms?
Toss apples with cornstarch as directed and don’t skip browning the butter. Both steps help absorb excess moisture during baking.
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Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Filling
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
Instructions
- Prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Brown butter: Brown butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden and nutty, about 4 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Make crumble mixture: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add cooled brown butter and stir until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form base layer: Reserve 1½ cups of crumble mixture. Press remaining mixture firmly into prepared pan using bottom of measuring cup.
- Prepare apple filling: Toss diced apples with granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Assemble bars: Spread apple mixture evenly over pressed base. Sprinkle reserved crumble mixture on top.
- Bake and cool: Bake for 35-40 minutes until top is golden brown and apples are tender. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 bar)
