Apple Crumble Bars

Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. These bars combine a buttery shortbread-like base with a jammy apple filling and a crumbly topping, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an elegant dessert for a dinner party, these bars hit the spot. Drizzle them with salted caramel sauce and serve with ice cream for an extra special treat that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble Bars

Apple Crumble Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are some standout features:

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip these bars up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and spices creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as a snack, dessert, or at gatherings; they’re always a hit!
• Handheld Convenience: Enjoy them on the go or plate them as an elegant dish.
• Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to personalize the recipe.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Apple Crumble Bars efficiently, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 20cm/8 square baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and easy removal of the bars.
• Mixing bowls: Helps keep your ingredients organized while mixing.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Great for pressing down your crust evenly.

Ingredients

Recipe video above. Tastes like Apple Crumble – in bar form! Shortbread-like base, jammy apple filling and crumbly top. Take it over the top with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce – and ice cream! Great quick apple recipe ideal for a handheld snack, or transform into a dessert for dinner party.

Ingredients:
– 125g / 1 stick unsalted butter (, melted)
– 2 cups (300g) flour (, plain/all purpose)
– 1/2 cup (100g) white sugar
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– 1 egg
– 1/3 cup (30g) rolled oats (Note 1)
– 3 – 4 large granny smith apples (, cut into 0.7cm / 1/3 dice(~4 cups))
– 1/4 cup (35g) plain flour ((all purpose flour))
– 1/4 cup (50g) white sugar
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– Salted caramel sauce
– Ice cream!

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How to Make Apple Crumble Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180C (350F). This ensures that your Apple Crumble Bars cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 20cm (8) square pan and line it with baking parchment. Leave some overhang to help lift out the bars later.

Step 3: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Melted butter
2. Flour
3. White sugar
4. Baking powder
5. Salt

Stir until no white bits of flour remain visible.

Step 4: Add Egg to Mixture

Add one egg to the mixture and stir well until fully combined.

Step 5: Press Base into Pan

Lightly press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 6: Bake the Base

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until it turns slightly golden. After baking, remove from oven and let cool for about five minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Apple Filling

While waiting for the base to cool, mix together the filling ingredients in another bowl:
1. Granny Smith apples
2. Plain flour
3. White sugar
4. Cinnamon
5. Nutmeg

Toss everything together until apples are coated thoroughly before adding to cooled base.

Continue following these steps in your recipe to create delicious Apple Crumble Bars!

How to Serve Apple Crumble Bars

Apple crumble bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them on your own, these bars offer versatility and flavor that everyone will love.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Enhance the flavor by drizzling salted caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent touch.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Enjoy apple crumble bars as a sweet breakfast option alongside your morning coffee or tea.

Paired with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh slices of apple or other seasonal fruits to add freshness to your dessert.

With Whipped Cream

• Top with a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness and creaminess.

At a Picnic

• Pack these bars for an easy, portable dessert during outdoor gatherings or picnics.

How to Perfect Apple Crumble Bars

Making perfect apple crumble bars is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your bars come out delicious every time.

• Use tart apples – Granny Smith apples provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that enhances the flavor.
• Don’t overmix – When preparing the base, mix just until combined to keep it tender and crumbly.
• Cool before cutting – Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean edges and prevent them from falling apart.
• Adjust spices – Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or ginger for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
• Add more oats – For extra texture, consider increasing the amount of rolled oats in the topping.

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Best Side Dishes for Apple Crumble Bars

Apple crumble bars can be paired with various side dishes that complement their sweet and spiced flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Caramel Sauce – A rich drizzle elevates the dessert experience with its buttery flavor.
3. Fresh Berries – Serve alongside raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
4. Chocolate Sauce – For chocolate lovers, this indulgent addition makes each bite even more decadent.
5. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the bars.
6. Coffee or Tea – Pairing with your favorite warm drink makes for an enjoyable afternoon treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience when making Apple Crumble Bars.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter makes it hard to mix with dry ingredients. Always melt the butter for better incorporation.
• Not measuring apples correctly: Too few or too many apples can affect texture. Use 3-4 large Granny Smith apples as specified.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of a tender crust. Mix just until combined for best results.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the base to cool slightly before adding filling is crucial. It prevents sogginess and helps set layers better.
• Not letting bars cool completely: Cutting into warm bars can cause them to crumble. Let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in a single layer to avoid crushing the bars.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat oven to 180C/350F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 5-8 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Apple Crumble Bars you might find helpful.

Can I use different types of apples for Apple Crumble Bars?

Yes, you can use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just ensure they are tart and firm to hold up during baking.

How do I customize my Apple Crumble Bars?

You can add nuts, dried fruits, or spices like ginger or allspice to personalize your recipe and enhance flavor.

Are Apple Crumble Bars suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They store well and make great snacks throughout the week or desserts for gatherings.

What should I serve with Apple Crumble Bars?

These bars pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for an elevated dessert experience.

Final Thoughts

Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of traditional apple crumble in a convenient form. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various toppings or fillings, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious handheld snack or impressive dessert!