The Unbeatable Apple Walnut Crumble Bars Recipe for Fall

Sweet crumbles of buttery goodness and apple walnut crumble bars dance with warm spices in every delectable bite.

Homemade desserts bring comfort like nothing else can.

Crisp autumn apples combine perfectly with crunchy walnuts for a delightful treat.

Layers of golden pastry cradle soft, caramelized fruit beneath a crumbly topping.

Each bar offers a delicious balance of textures and rich, nostalgic flavors.

These bars serve up pure happiness on a plate.

Apple Walnut Crumble Bars: Reasons To Love

• Savor Homemade Comfort: These apple walnut crumble bars wrap you in warm, nostalgic flavors that remind you of grandma's kitchen, perfect for cozy afternoons or sweet family gatherings.
• Bake with Ease: The straightforward recipe requires minimal baking skills, making it accessible for beginners while delivering impressive results that look and taste professionally crafted.
• Customize Your Delight: Swap walnuts with pecans or add extra spices to make the recipe uniquely yours, offering flexibility for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Portable, shareable bars that work wonderfully for potlucks, school events, or casual get-togethers, guaranteed to impress friends and family with their delicious blend of textures and flavors.

Stock Up For Apple Walnut Crumble Bar Fun

• All-Purpose Flour: A crucial component that provides structure to the crumble bars.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust together.
• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a golden-brown crust.
• Walnuts: Bring a delightful nutty crunch and texture to the base.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the crust.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies other flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, comforting spice note.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle aromatic warmth.

• Apples: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and soft texture.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling and create a smooth consistency.

Apple Walnut Crumble Bars—Let’s Get Baking

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 375°F.

Line an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage with slight overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Magical Crust Foundation

• Softened butter
• White sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and creamy.

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Chopped walnuts

Gradually blend dry ingredients into butter mixture until just combined.

Press two-thirds of the dough firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even base.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set, then bake 18-20 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Allow crust to cool completely.

Step 3: Develop Luscious Apple Filling

• Diced apples
• Fresh lemon juice
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Simmer mixture for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Sprinkle cornstarch and continue cooking until filling thickens.

Spread apple mixture evenly over cooled crust.

Step 4: Add Crumbly Topping

Scatter remaining dough across apple filling, creating a rustic, uneven layer.

Return to oven and bake 25-30 minutes until top turns golden and filling bubbles slightly.

Remove and let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Crumble Bar Secrets For The Perfect Bite

• Toast walnuts in a dry skillet before adding to the crust for a deeper, nuttier taste that enhances the overall complexity of the bars.
• Drain excess liquid from cooked apples to prevent soggy bars and ensure a crisp, clean bottom crust that holds together beautifully.
• Cover the pan with aluminum foil halfway through baking if the edges start browning too quickly, protecting the delicate crumble topping.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the rich, buttery texture.
• Keep bars fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended shelf life.

Mix Up Your Crumble Bar Creations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix. Use certified gluten-free oats for added texture and crunch.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace eggs with ground flaxseed or applesauce to maintain moisture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Add extra cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance natural sweetness.
• Pear and Pecan Alternative: Swap apples for ripe pears and walnuts for pecans. Incorporate cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor profile.

Apple Walnut Bars—Serve Them Up Cozy

• Cozy Coffee Companion: Serve these warm bars alongside a steaming latte or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon treat that complements the rich apple and walnut flavors.
• Dessert Plate Elegance: Dust the bars with powdered sugar and add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to elevate the presentation and add a creamy contrast.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine for a homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and spreads warmth to friends and family.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange bars on a beautiful wooden board with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts to create an inviting breakfast or brunch centerpiece that looks professionally styled.

Apple Walnut Crumble Bars – Storage Wisdom

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them flat to maintain crumble texture and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best results.
• Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain crisp edges.
• Restore crispness by warming bars at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. Place on parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve bottom crust's texture.

FAQs

• Are walnuts necessary for this recipe?

Walnuts add crunch and nutty flavor, but can be substituted with pecans or almonds if preferred.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, use firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for best results.

• How do I know when the crust is perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly firm center, which typically takes 18-20 minutes at 375°F.

• Is it important to chill the crust before baking?

Chilling helps prevent spreading and creates a more stable, structured base for the bars.

Apple Walnut Crumble Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Irresistible Apple Walnut Crumble Bars bring classic comfort with a delightful twist of buttery crumb and warm spices. Homemade goodness awaits, promising sweet nostalgia and rustic charm you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) apples (peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch slices)
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

Filling and Spices:

• 3 tablespoons (37.5 g) granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Crumble and Sweeteners:

• 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) lightly packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Create the base layer by blending softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and finely chopped walnuts, mixing until just incorporated.
3. Press approximately two-thirds of the dough firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even bottom crust. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set, then bake for 18-20 minutes until achieving a light golden hue.
4. While crust bakes, prepare apple filling by sautéing diced apples with melted butter, fresh lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat for 15 minutes.
5. Thicken the apple mixture by stirring in cornstarch, continuing to cook until the filling reaches a jam-like consistency and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Once the initial crust has cooled, spread the warm apple filling evenly across the surface.
7. Crumble the remaining dough over the apple layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
8. Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and filling bubbles slightly.
9. Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into individual bars for serving.

Notes

• Chill the crust to prevent spreading and ensure a crisp, sturdy base that holds together perfectly when sliced.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to the crust to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the bars.
• Use firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced tartness in the filling.
• Make the bars gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same delicious taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 227 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 78 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg