These Apple Pie Crumble Bars capture all the cozy flavor of a Dutch apple pie in an easy-to-make bar. Perfect for holiday baking or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simpler than a traditional pie.
This season I’ve been obsessed with crumble bars, and I think this recipe might be the best yet. Apples are my favorite fall fruit, and when it comes to the pumpkin vs. apple debate, I’m firmly on team apple. The warm, spiced apple flavor gives instant cozy, autumn vibes.
If you prefer pumpkin, I have a pumpkin crumble bars recipe as well, but for apple lovers this version delivers that classic Dutch apple pie experience—complete with a tender apple filling and a buttery streusel-like topping. Bars are also easier to serve to a crowd since you can cut them to any size, making them more flexible than a single pie.
The Bars
The crust and the crumble are made from the same simple dough, so you only need one bowl. The base ingredients are granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and baking powder, combined with cold cubed butter, a lightly beaten egg, and vanilla. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse pebbles. Press half into the pan for the crust and set the rest aside for the crumble topping—easy and efficient.
The Apples
The apple filling is the star. I used Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture when baking, though Honeycrisp or a mix of varieties work well too. Peel and dice the apples, then toss them with cornstarch to thicken, sugar for sweetness, lemon juice to brighten and prevent browning, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for that signature apple-pie flavor.
The result is tender, spiced apples nestled between layers of buttery crust and a crisp crumble topping—these Apple Pie Crumble Bars are irresistible.
Print Recipe
Apple Pie Crumble Bars
Ingredients
For Crust & Crumble:
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Apple Filling:
- 5 small/medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced about 5 cups once diced
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch light metal baking pan with foil or parchment, letting the edges extend over the sides. Spray the lining with cooking spray and set aside.
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For the crust and crumble: In a large bowl whisk together the sugar, baking powder, salt, and flour. Add the cold cubed butter, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles small pebbles. Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer and set the remainder aside for the topping.
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In a medium bowl toss the diced apples with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated. Spread the apple mixture, including any juices, evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the apples, covering the filling completely.
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Bake for 38–45 minutes, until the topping is light golden brown and the filling is bubbly at the edges. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
These bars are delicious on their own, but try serving them a la mode or drizzled with salted caramel for an extra-special treat.
Have a super sweet weekend!
xo, Hayley