If you’re craving something that hits all the right cozy, comforting notes, you’ve got to try my Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe. These bars blend that classic apple pie flavor with a buttery crust and a perfectly crumbly topping, making them absolutely irresistible. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll find yourself coming back for more—and I can’t wait to share all the tips and tricks that make this recipe so darn foolproof!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy tools or skills—just simple steps that anyone can follow.
Classic Flavor with a Twist: The crumb topping adds texture and depth that makes these bars extra special.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a holiday dessert, these bars always impress.
Great Make-Ahead Treat: They store beautifully, so you can enjoy them throughout the week or bring them to potlucks with zero stress.

This image shows six square bars resting on white parchment paper on a light wooden surface. Each bar has three layers: the bottom layer is a light golden brown firm base, the middle layer is a dark brown filling that looks rich and dense, and the top layer is a crumbly light golden streusel with a rough texture. One square is slightly pulled away from the group, giving a clear view of the three distinct layers and the rough crumble on top. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward with pantry staples and fresh apples, creating a balance of buttery, sweet, and cinnamony flavors that’ll remind you of Grandma’s kitchen. Choosing the right apples and fresh spices can make all the difference here!

Baking Apples: I prefer tart varieties like Granny Smith because they hold up well and add that perfect tangy contrast to the sweet topping.
Brown Sugar: Dark or light brown sugar works nicely, but dark brings a richer, caramel-like flavor.
Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon has so much more warmth—try not to use the pre-ground stuff from months ago if you can help it!
Cornstarch: This is the secret to getting that luscious, thick filling that’s not too runny or stiff.
Butter: Use unsalted and cold butter—it helps create that crumbly texture in the crust and topping you’re aiming for.
Granulated White Sugar: Balances out the richness and adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for the crumbly dough; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it sticky.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes my own, and this Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe is no exception. Depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry, you can easily tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Have fun experimenting!

Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a trusty gluten-free blend—just make sure it has xanthan gum or a binder to keep that crumbly texture.
Spiced Up Filling: I love adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth—it really transforms the filling in the best way.
Caramel Drizzle: For special occasions, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the bars right before serving; my family goes crazy for this!
Nutty Crumble: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for an added crunch and nutty flavor—this is a game changer.

How to Make Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples for a Perfect Filling

Peeling and cubing the apples is where you start—try to avoid the cores because they can add bitterness. I like to use a good sharp knife or even an apple peeler to speed things along. Once chopped, toss the apples in a pot with brown sugar and cinnamon, then cook over medium heat. I stir regularly here to make sure the apples soften evenly without sticking. After 6-8 minutes, they’ll start to break down beautifully, releasing their juices, which is exactly what you want before thickening it up with cornstarch.

Step 2: Thickening the Filling to Just the Right Consistency

Mix in the cornstarch and keep cooking for another few minutes. You’re aiming for a consistency that’s in between applesauce and jam—it should be thick enough to hold together on the crust but still soft and juicy. A mistake I used to make was rushing this step, which left the bars soggy; patience here really pays off.

Step 3: Crafting the Crumbly Dough for Crust and Topping

Mix the cold butter, granulated sugar, and flour until the dough looks like coarse crumbs. Adding water bit by bit helps bring it together without turning it into a sticky mess. If your dough feels too dry, an extra tablespoon of water can work wonders. Then divide the dough into two parts—half goes into the pan as the base and the other half will be your crumb topping.

Step 4: Bake, Layer, and Finish with a Golden Crumb

Press half the dough into a parchment-lined square baking pan and bake it for 12 minutes at 350°F. This pre-bake stops the bottom from getting soggy under the filling. Next, spoon your luscious apple filling evenly over the crust, then crumble the remaining dough on top. Bake for 30 more minutes until you see that beautiful golden-brown crust—this is when the kitchen starts to smell like an autumn dream!

Let it cool completely before cutting into bars. I learned the hard way that trying to cut them too soon leads to messier slices, so patience here is key for neat bars.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

Choose the Right Apples: I find tart apples like Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
Don’t Skip the Pre-Bake: Baking the crust first helps prevent sogginess—this trick took my bars from okay to outstanding.
Use Cold Butter: Keeping the butter cold when mixing makes the crumb topping extra flaky and crumbly in the best way.
Let Bars Cool Completely: Cutting too early results in messier edges; waiting makes for perfect squares every time.

How to Serve Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

The image shows square-shaped dessert bars with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a light golden brown crust that looks firm and slightly crumbly. The middle layer is a dark brown, thick filling that appears smooth and jelly-like. The top layer consists of small, uneven, pale yellow crumb pieces that give a rough texture. One bar is placed in the front, separated from the rest which are still grouped closely together on a white parchment paper, all resting on a wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a light dusting of powdered sugar—just enough to add a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish. If I’m feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is always a winner, melting beautifully over the warm bars.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast or a snack. For an evening dessert, try serving alongside whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to really impress guests.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found that cutting the bars into mini bite-sized squares and serving them on a pretty platter with small ramekins of nut toppings or caramel sauce makes them party-ready in seconds—perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks where finger foods shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store the leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The crumb topping stays delightfully crumbly, and the filling maintains its rich flavor without getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing these bars is a lifesaver for busy weeks—I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then stash them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, and just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a bar in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crumb topping crisp. Either way, they come out tasting almost as fresh as right out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith give the best texture and balance of sweetness, you can also mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile. Just remember that softer apples may break down more, creating a softer filling.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the crust before adding the filling?

Yes, pre-baking the crust for 12 minutes helps prevent the bottom layer from becoming soggy when the moist apple filling bakes on top. It ensures your bars have that perfect crispy base every time.
How do I store these apple pie bars to keep them fresh?

Store your bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They keep well without losing the crumbly texture or juicy filling, making them an easy grab-and-go treat.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Definitely! They’re great make-ahead dessert bars. Bake them, then store in the fridge or freezer and reheat gently before serving for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe is truly one of those recipes I can’t recommend enough—it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser, easy to whip up, and filled with that nostalgic apple pie goodness we all love. I remember the first time I made these bars for my family; they were gone in minutes, and I felt like a baking superstar! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy every crumbly, sweet bite as much as I do.

Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 82 reviews

Author: Megane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 42 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Yield: 9 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery bottom crust topped with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a crumbly streusel topping. Perfectly balanced with tender baked apples and a crisp, golden crust, these bars make a delicious dessert or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Apple Pie Filling

4 baking apples
¾ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Crust and Topping

¾ cup butter
½ cup granulated white sugar
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1-2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

Prepare the apples: Peel and cube the apples, making sure to avoid the core for a smooth texture in the filling.
Cook apple filling: Combine the apple cubes with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring often for 6-8 minutes until the apples start to break down.
Thicken filling: Stir in the cornstarch and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens to a consistency between applesauce and jam.
Make the crust dough: In a bowl, mix butter, granulated sugar, and flour. Add one tablespoon of water and mix until a crumbly dough forms. Add a second tablespoon of water if needed to achieve the right consistency.
Pre-bake crust: Divide the dough in half. Press half of it evenly into the bottom of a square baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
Add filling and topping: Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the top to form a streusel-like topping.
Bake final bars: Bake for an additional 30 minutes at 350°F until the crumb topping is golden brown and crisp.
Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.

Notes

These bars have a rich buttery bottom crust with a sticky, sweet apple pie filling and a crumbly topping.
Using baking apples ensures the filling holds texture without turning to mush.
Make sure to cool the bars completely for easier slicing and cleaner bars.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.