Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars

Featured in: Baked Warm Goodness

These bars feature a tender apple filling enhanced with cinnamon and nutmeg, sandwiched between a buttery crust and a crisp, golden crumble topping. Combining sweet and tart apples adds depth, while the buttery base complements the warm spices perfectly. Baked until golden, they offer a cozy, flavorful snack or dessert. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble offers extra texture and richness. Serve warm for an indulgent mouthfeel.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:58:00 GMT
Warm apple cinnamon crumble bars topped with golden streusel, perfect for dessert.  Save to Pinterest
Warm apple cinnamon crumble bars topped with golden streusel, perfect for dessert. | messlitreats.com

Tender apple filling layered between a buttery base and a golden cinnamon crumble, these bars are the perfect treat for a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients

  • For the Crust & Crumble: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 1 large egg
  • For the Apple Filling: 3 large apples (about 500 g) peeled, cored, and diced, 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon (8 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt for the crust and crumble.
Step 3:
Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4:
Add the egg and mix until just combined. The dough will be crumbly.
Step 5:
Press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Step 6:
For the apple filling, combine the diced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
Step 7:
Spread the apple filling over the crust in an even layer.
Step 8:
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the apple layer.
Step 9:
Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 10:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares.
Delicious apple cinnamon crumble bars served on a wooden platter with ice cream.  Save to Pinterest
Delicious apple cinnamon crumble bars served on a wooden platter with ice cream. | messlitreats.com

Notes

For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping. Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Required Tools

8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, Mixing bowls, Pastry cutter or fork, Knife and cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Protein: 2 g

Mouthwatering apple filling nestled between buttery crust and crisp crumble topping. Save to Pinterest
Mouthwatering apple filling nestled between buttery crust and crisp crumble topping. | messlitreats.com

These apple cinnamon crumble bars are a timeless treat that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of apples work best in this dish?

A mix of sweet and tart apples provides the best depth of flavor and balance in the filling.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.

How should I prepare the crust and crumble?

Cold, cubed butter is cut into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form, then part is pressed as the crust and the rest reserved for the topping.

What is the ideal baking temperature and time?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 38-42 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are tender.

How can these bars be served for best taste?

Serving warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream, enhances the comforting flavors and textures.

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars

Tender apple filling layered with buttery crust and golden cinnamon crumble bars, perfect for a cozy treat.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cooking Duration
40 min
Overall Duration
60 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Portion Yield 16 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

List of Ingredients

Crust and Crumble

01 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
02 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (225 g)
07 1 large egg

Apple Filling

01 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 500 g)
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g)
03 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (8 g)
04 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust and Crumble: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 03

Incorporate Butter: Cut cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fingertips until coarse crumbs form.

Step 04

Add Egg to Crust Dough: Mix in the egg until just combined; the dough will remain crumbly.

Step 05

Form the Crust: Press approximately two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 06

Prepare Apple Filling: Mix diced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.

Step 07

Assemble Filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer.

Step 08

Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture evenly on top of the apple filling.

Step 09

Bake: Bake for 38 to 42 minutes until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender.

Step 10

Cool and Serve: Allow bars to cool fully in the pan before removing and slicing into squares.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, and dairy (butter).

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 2 g