Sep 26^th 2018 >>

Apple Crumb Bars

Apple Crumb Bars are made with fresh apples and a butter crumble topping to make a sweet treat for the fall season! 

Growing up in New England, it’s no surprise that I love apple season. Apple cider, apple ice cream, apple donuts – you name it, I love it! So this time of year, apples make their way into a lot of our meals including breakfast, lunch dinner and dessert. Balancing clean apple eats with sweet apple treats means you can enjoy apples in a variety of ways. Enjoy the best flavors of the season and try a few of my favorite other apple recipes like this salad, spice bread, or snack. Check out all of my apple recipes here! 

Last week we visited New England and stopped at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, Massachusetts. We picked apples, enjoyed fresh apple cider donuts and visited the animals on the farm. I was able to make these Apple Crumb Bars for family and friends we visited thanks to the apples we picked.  

Crumble bars are so simple to make – I normally have all the ingredients in my pantry and switch out the fresh fruit to whatever is in season. With brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves and a hint of nutmeg, these crumble bars are bursting with fall flavors. You can make this recipe with whatever apple varieties stocked at your local grocer, or whichever kind you prefer. This recipe is made with Granny Smith for a crisp tart flavor.

When making these bars, make sure to cool completely before cutting or serving to avoid the bars falling apart. You can even pop them in the fridge to cool them down before you serve! I love to enjoy this treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping. This is the perfect dessert or treat to enjoy this fall season!

Apple Crumb Bars

Yield: 10 servings

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 5 mins

 

Apple Crumb Bars are made with fresh apples and a butter crumble topping to make a sweet treat for the fall season! 

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Ingredients

For the filling:

• 4 granny smith apples peeled & cubbed
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• Pinch ground nutmeg
• 1/2 lemon juiced
• 1 tablespoons cornstarch

For the oat crumble:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch ground cloves
• 6 tablespoons butter softened
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and sugar together over low heat. Add the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon and stir. Turn the heat up to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
2. Whisk in the cornstarch, smoothing out any lumps, then remove from the heat. Let cool as completely as possible before assembling the bars.
3. Line an 8x8" pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
4. Combine the flours, oats, sugar, salt + spices in a bowl. Add the butter and honey and use your fingers to combine into a crumbly mixture. Add cream and continue to work the dough with your hands. Pour 3/4 of the mixture into your prepared pan, firmly pushing it down evenly and into the corners.
5. Spread the apple filling on top, then sprinkle the remaining crumble across the fruit mixture. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving (otherwise they may be too soft and fall apart). Keep in the fridge until ready to eat.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 285, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 154mg, Potassium: 164mg, Carbohydrates: 45g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 26g, Protein: 2g, Vitamin A: 7.5%, Vitamin C: 7.5%, Calcium: 2.8%, Iron: 6%

*Nutritional information is an estimate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist for the most accurate nutritional info.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple bars, apple crumb bars

All images and text ©Spoonful of Flavor

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