Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart apples and a buttery, crunchy crumble topping. Forget fiddly individual crumbles – this recipe delivers all the deliciousness in one convenient, sliceable bar. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. This recipe offers healthy meal alternatives and quick dinner ideas for the modern kitchen. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This step ensures your bars will slide out easily once baked.
Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix; some small pieces of butter are okay. This ensures a wonderfully crumbly topping.
Assemble the bars: Spread the apple filling evenly in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Apple Crumble Bars:
- Apple selection: Using a mix of apple varieties provides a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Don't overmix the crumble: Overmixing will make the topping tough. Aim for a coarse, crumbly texture.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely helps them set and makes them easier to cut and serve.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Nutty crumble: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra flavor and texture.
- Spiced crumble: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
- Oatmeal crumble: For a chewier crumble, use 1 cup of rolled oats instead of a mix of flour and oats.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 12-15g Saturated Fat: 7-9g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 3-4g
This delicious and easy recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Enjoy these delightful apple crumble bars as a satisfying treat! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. From simple weeknight desserts to impressive homemade gifts, these bars are versatile and always a hit. They represent the best recipes for delicious dishes without being overly complicated.