Decadent Apple Pie Crumb Bars: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe
Sink your teeth into the most decadent treat of the season: homemade Apple Pie Crumb Bars. This delightful dessert features a rich, crumbly pie crust, a luscious, sweet-sour cream apple pie filling, and a perfectly crisp crumb topping. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that captures the essence of fall in every bite, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
The creation of this incredible Apple Pie Crumb Bar recipe was, in fact, a happy accident! I initially set out to bake my beloved Strawberry Sour Cream Crumb Bars but couldn’t find any strawberry pie filling at the store. With summer winding down and apple season just around the corner, I decided to pivot and use apple pie filling instead. What seemed like a minor inconvenience turned into a culinary revelation, proving that some of the best recipes emerge from unexpected twists!
Embrace the Flavors of Fall with Apple Pie Crumb Bars
Apple season has officially arrived, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! The delightful aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven is truly the quintessential sign of autumn, and it’s a scent I welcome with open arms each year. While I cherish the warmth and vibrancy of summer, there’s something uniquely comforting and refreshing about the crisp, cool air that heralds the change of seasons. Fall brings with it a desire for cozy, warm, and flavorful desserts, and these Apple Pie Crumb Bars fit that bill perfectly.
It’s clear I’ve fully embraced this glorious transitional season, as I’m eager to share a bounty of simple yet delicious apple recipes. My goal is for you to savor the season’s bounty as much as I do! Beyond these wonderful crumb bars, you might enjoy my family’s time-honored Apple Kuchen, a German apple cake that’s pure comfort. For an easy-to-make option, try The Very Best Apple Crisp, or for a delightful individual serving, an Apple Crisp In A Mug is simply perfect. And certainly don’t overlook my moist Fresh Apple Cake and chewy Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies. As you can see, there are countless wonderful ways to enjoy the season’s apples and create the perfect fall dessert!
The Secret to Decadent Apple Pie Crumb Bars: A Rich Custard Layer
What sets these apple pie crumb bars apart from more traditional apple pie bar recipes? It’s the luxurious layer of sweet sour cream custard swirled directly into the apple pie filling. This addition elevates the dessert, making it far more decadent and satisfying. A simple yet magical blend of sour cream, eggs, and sugar comes together to form a silky-smooth custard. When combined with the apple pie filling, it creates an incredibly rich, moist, and dense apple pie layer that is truly irresistible. This creamy element provides a wonderful contrast to the crumbly crust and topping, adding depth and sophistication to every bite.
If you adore the comforting flavors and textures of these apple pie crumble bars, you’re bound to fall in love with some of my other apple-inspired creations. Be sure to check out these delicious options: Air Fryer Apple Pie Egg Rolls, a crispy and fun twist; a rustic and elegant Apple Crostata; or the warm, spiced goodness of Apple Pumpkin Strudel. Each offers a unique way to celebrate the versatility of apples.
Optimal Storage for Your Homemade Apple Pie Bars
To ensure your apple bars remain delightfully crisp and fresh, I highly recommend refrigerating them. This is especially important if your kitchen tends to be humid, as moisture can quickly compromise the texture of the crust and topping. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these homemade apple crumble bars will maintain their deliciousness for up to 4 days. This makes them an excellent make-ahead dessert for entertaining or simply to enjoy throughout the week.
For longer storage, these apple pie bars are also freezer-friendly! You can freeze them for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor or quality. For ultimate convenience, I suggest cutting them into individual servings before freezing. This way, you can easily grab a single bar whenever a craving strikes, allowing you to enjoy a homemade treat without any extra fuss. Simply thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature, or warm gently in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Apple Pie Crumb Bars
Crafting these delicious apple pie crumb bars requires a few simple, accessible ingredients. For a complete list of quantities and detailed instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of this post to find the full printable recipe card. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
For the Crumbly Crust and Topping:
-
Butter: Use one stick of butter, melted and then cooled to room temperature. Both salted or unsalted butter work wonderfully here, providing richness and helping to bind the crumbly texture of both the crust and the topping.
-
Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of our crumbly crust. It provides structure and the perfect tender-crisp texture that makes these bars so satisfying.
-
Brown Sugar: This ingredient is essential for adding a deep, caramel-like sweetness and a hint of moisture to the flaky apple pie bars, contributing to their golden hue and delightful flavor.
-
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the crust a subtle lift and tenderness, ensuring it’s not too dense or hard.
-
Salt: Just a touch of salt is crucial. It enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and making the apple and spice notes truly sing.
For the Luscious Filling:
-
Apple Pie Filling: For convenience, canned apple pie filling works perfectly and saves time. However, if you prefer, you can easily make your own homemade pie filling for an extra fresh touch. About 3/4 of a 20-ounce can is what you’ll typically need.
-
Sour Cream: This is the secret ingredient that transforms the filling. I personally prefer full-fat sour cream for maximum richness and a delightful tang, but low-fat varieties can also be used if preferred.
-
Sugar: White granulated sugar is added to sweeten the pie filling just a touch, harmonizing with the tartness of the apples and the tang of the sour cream. For a slight variation, coconut sugar can be substituted on a 1-to-1 basis.
-
Flour: A tablespoon of all-purpose flour helps to thicken the filling, ensuring it sets beautifully when baked and creates that dense, creamy layer.
-
Egg: The egg acts as a crucial binder for the custard-like filling, contributing to its rich texture and helping it set into a cohesive layer during baking.
-
Vanilla: Always opt for real vanilla extract for the best possible flavor. It adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the apple and cinnamon notes beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make These Irresistible Apple Pie Crumb Bars
While there are a few steps involved in making these apple pie crumble bars, don’t let the process intimidate you. Each step is straightforward, and they come together quite easily, resulting in a spectacular homemade dessert. Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect batch every time!
Preparation is Key
Begin by melting your butter in the microwave. Once melted, set it aside to cool to room temperature. This step is important for achieving the right crumbly consistency for your crust. Next, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch square baking pan by lining it with either non-stick foil or parchment paper. For extra security against sticking, spray the lined paper lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This preparation ensures your bars can be easily removed and cut once baked and cooled.
Crafting the Perfect Crumb Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the crust: flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure they are well distributed. Once the dry ingredients are mixed, pour in the cooled melted butter. Mix everything together until the butter is completely incorporated into the dry mixture. The resulting dough will have a lovely crumbly texture. If you prefer, you can also use a food processor for this step, pulsing until a coarse crumb forms. This method can save a bit of time and effort.
Assembling the Layers
Once your crumb mixture is ready, reserve about one-quarter of it. This reserved portion will become your delicious crumb topping. Press the remaining three-quarters of the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact, even base. Set this aside as you prepare the filling.
Creating the Creamy Filling
In a separate medium bowl, combine the ingredients for your decadent filling: sour cream, granulated sugar, one tablespoon of all-purpose flour, the egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients until they are smooth and well combined. This mixture will form the rich, custard-like layer that makes these bars so special.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Carefully pour the creamy sour cream filling mixture over the prepared crust in the pan, spreading it out gently and evenly. Next, spoon the apple pie filling over the top of the sour cream layer. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the apple pie filling into the sour cream mixture. This creates beautiful marbled patterns and ensures every bite gets a taste of both layers. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the filling to create that irresistible crunchy topping. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooling, Serving, and Storing
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely. For the best texture and to ensure clean cuts, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill thoroughly. Once chilled, cut the bars into your desired serving sizes. These versatile bars can be served at room temperature for a tender chew or warmed slightly for a comforting, gooey experience. My personal favorite way to enjoy them warm is with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top – truly a match made in heaven!
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain their freshness and crispness. As mentioned earlier, you can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months, making them a fantastic treat to have on hand for future cravings.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re as excited about this fantastic recipe for apple pie crumb bars as I am, make sure you don’t lose track of it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can easily find it whenever you’re ready to bake this delightful fall treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Apple Desserts
What is the difference between apple pie and apple crumb pie?
The primary distinction between a traditional apple pie and an apple crumb pie lies in their crust and topping. A classic apple pie typically features a double pie crust – one forming the bottom and sides, and another for the top (either solid or latticed). An apple crumb pie, on the other hand, utilizes a crumbly pie base for the bottom layer, and it’s always topped with a generous, streusel-like crumb topping rather than a full pastry crust. This gives it a distinct texture and often a slightly easier preparation.
What is the crumble on apple pie made of?
The delicious crumble topping, often referred to as streusel, is typically made from a simple mixture of butter, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar. These ingredients are rubbed together until a coarse, crumbly texture is achieved. Sometimes, a touch of cinnamon or other warming spices like nutmeg is added to enhance the flavor, perfectly complementing the apple filling underneath.
What’s the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?
Apple crumble and apple crisp are very similar and often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference in their toppings. An apple crumble traditionally has a topping made from butter, flour, and sugar, resulting in a dense, cake-like crumb. An apple crisp, however, incorporates oats into its topping, which bakes up to be lighter and, as the name suggests, crispier. Both desserts typically feature a baked fruit filling, most commonly made with fresh apples.
How do you keep apple crumble crispy?
To best preserve the crispy texture of an apple crumble (or crumb bars!), the ideal method is to store it in the refrigerator. The cool, dry environment helps to prevent the topping from becoming soggy. If you want to rejuvenate the crispiness before serving, simply pop a slice or portion into a preheated oven (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) for a few minutes until the topping crisps up again and the filling is warm.
Which apples are best for pies?
For the absolute best apple pies and bars, you want apples that hold their shape well when baked and offer a good balance of sweet and tart flavors. My top three recommendations are Granny Smith (for its tartness and firm texture), Honeycrisp (for its crispness and balanced flavor), and Golden Delicious (for its sweetness and smooth texture). Other excellent choices include Jonagold, Braeburn, and Northern Spy. However, don’t be afraid to use what you have on hand or your personal favorite apples! If your chosen apples are on the tarter side, simply add a touch more sugar to the filling to balance the flavors.
Why does apple pie call for lemon juice?
Lemon juice is a common addition to apple pie recipes for a couple of key reasons. Primarily, it helps to prevent the sliced apples from turning brown due to oxidation once they are cut and exposed to air. Secondly, the acidity of the lemon juice brightens and enhances the natural flavor of the apples, adding a fresh, zesty note that cuts through the sweetness and enriches the overall taste of the pie.
Creative Substitutions & Delicious Variations
When it comes to baking, don’t hesitate to unleash your creativity! Recipes are simply guidelines, and you should always feel empowered to make substitutions that cater to your personal taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply what you have available. Make these apple pie crumb bars truly your own!
-
Change Up the Fruit Filling: While apple is classic, these bars are incredibly versatile. Experiment with other canned pie fillings like sweet blueberry, juicy peach, or a vibrant cherry. A delightful combination of different fruits would also work wonderfully for a unique flavor profile.
-
Add Texture and Sweetness: Stir in a handful of plump raisins or dried cranberries into the apple filling for an added layer of chewy texture and natural sweetness. They also infuse a lovely depth of flavor.
-
Boost Fresh Apple Flavor: For an extra burst of apple goodness and a bit more crunch, mix in some freshly chopped and peeled apples directly into your pie filling. This adds a wonderful, authentic apple character that elevates the bars.
-
Warm Up the Spices: Beyond cinnamon, consider incorporating other warming spices that pair beautifully with apples. A pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, allspice, or even a touch of cardamom can add complex and inviting aromas and flavors to your bars.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Pie Crumb Bars
-
Intensify Apple Flavor: For an even more profound apple pie flavor, consider mixing in some apple pie spice into both the crust mixture and the filling. This blend often includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, creating a harmonious and aromatic profile.
-
Add a Crunchy Element: For an additional layer of crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle the top of the bars with finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or even slivered almonds before baking. The toasted nuts add a delightful textural contrast.
-
Room Temperature Ingredients: For most baking recipes, bringing refrigerated items like butter, sour cream, and eggs to room temperature before you begin preparation ensures that they mix together more smoothly and evenly. This leads to a more consistent dough and a well-emulsified filling.
-
Don’t Overmix the Crust: When making the crust, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough crust instead of a tender, crumbly one.
-
Cool Completely: It’s tempting to cut into these bars warm, but for clean, defined squares and the best set on the filling, allow them to cool completely, and ideally chill them in the refrigerator before slicing. This patience will be rewarded!
More Irresistible Dessert Bar Recipes to Love
Dessert bars are a fantastic way to enjoy delicious sweets with less fuss and often faster preparation times compared to traditional cakes or pies. They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply a quick weeknight treat. If you loved these Apple Pie Crumb Bars, here are some more delightful bar recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Apple Bars (pictured above) – A simpler, yet equally delicious, apple bar option.
- Pumpkin Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust – A quintessential fall dessert with a buttery base.
-
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars – Soft, sweet, and customizable for any celebration.
-
PB&J Oatmeal Cookie Bars – A nostalgic flavor combination in a convenient bar form.
-
Fresh Orange Bars – A zesty and refreshing citrus treat.
-
Iced Snickerdoodle Bars – All the cinnamon-sugar goodness of snickerdoodles in an easy bar.
-
Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars – A bright and fruity option with a delightful crumb topping.
See ALL of My Dessert Bar Recipes Here!
This apple season, treat yourself and your loved ones to this remarkably easy and incredibly delicious dessert. Once you experience the comforting flavors and perfect textures of these homemade apple crumble bars, you might just find yourself embracing the magic of autumn with as much enthusiasm as I do. Happy baking!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Apple Pie Crumb Bars
Equipment
-
Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
-
Rubber Spatulas
-
Glass Batter Bowl
-
Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
-
Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick 8-Inch Square baking pan (8×8)
Ingredients
- For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 stick butter melted, and cooled to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- About 3/4 of a 20-ounce can of apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoon flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
-
Melt butter in the microwave and set aside to cool to room temperature.
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
-
Line an 8×8 square pan with either non-stick foil or parchment paper sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
-
To make the crust, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter, and mix making sure to completely incorporate the butter, the dough will be crumbly.
-
Reserve 1/4 of your crust mixture, and press the other 3/4 firmly into the bottom of your pan. Set aside.
-
For the filling, mix together the sour cream, sugar, 1 Tablespoon flour, egg, and vanilla.
-
Pour over the crust and smooth out.
-
Spoon apple pie filling over the top, and gently swirl with the sour cream mixture.
-
Sprinkle with the remaining crust and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown
Nutrition