Apple Pie Crumble Bars

If you love a good fall-inspired Apple dessert then, you’re gonna love these!!

Think a buttery layer of shortbread, topped with homemade spiced apple pie filling and a crunchy crumble topping – these bars are honestly sooo addictive, I can never stop at one.

This is one of those recipes that really feels like fall baking to me. The cinnamon, the apples, the buttery crumble texture, it’s all I want in a fall bake.

Plus, since we’re using the same dough for the base and the crumble topping, it makes this an extremely easy bake too!

Why you’ll love these Apple Pie Crumble Bars:

Well, for starters, they’re an easy bake that’ll make your entire kitchen smell like autumn, but here’s a few more reasons:

One Dough – since we are using the same dough for the base and the crumble topping, it makes this an easy recipe and you get the texture of a buttery shortbread base and crisp shortbread topping.
Change it up – now, while I loveee the taste of cinnamon and apples together, this recipe is so, so very versatile, so you can add any fruit you’d like. From pears to berries or plums, make any fruit filling of your choice and it’ll pair perfectly with the shortbread for endless delicious combinations.
Lasts for days – this is the perfect bake to make in advance and honestly gets better the next day. They stay moist, rich and buttery and are perfect for gifting.
Simple Ingredients – aside from being easy to make (and eat), it’s also made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

As soon as you sink your teeth into one of these bars, you’ll be in fall heaven!!

Ingredient Notes – Apple Pie Crumble Bars

The ingredients that go into these deliciously spiced Apple Pie Crumble Bars:

Apples – we are using fresh apples for the cinnamony sweet apple pie filling!

White Sugar – adds sweetness and structure to the shortbread

Butter – adds so much moisture and flavour

Egg – an egg adds moisture and flexibility to the shortbread dough

Flour – is the perfect base for the shortbread crumble dough

Cinnamon – will provide that classic apple pie flavour and smell

Vanilla Extract – adds so much flavour, depth and that classic vanilla smell!

Salt – to balance everything out

Light Brown Sugar – to add some richness to the apple pie filling

How to make Apple Pie Crumble Bars

Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease and line an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch square baking pan with greaseproof or baking paper and set aside.
Then start by washing, peeling, and chopping the apples into small cubes.
Place the apples into a medium saucepan, add the light brown sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and cornflour, and mix well.
Place over a low heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring consistently, until the apples are fork-tender.
Once the apples are done, they should be shiny and almost jam-like. Set aside and allow to cool while we make the dough.
Next, cut the cold butter into small cubes.
In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, and the cubes of butter.
Using your fingertips, press the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumble-like texture. (You could also do this by adding all of the ingredients into a food processor and pulsing until you have a crumble-like texture.)
Next, crack in the egg and, using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, mix well until a dough forms.
Take ⅔ of the dough and press into the baking pan in an even layer.
Next, pour the cooled apple mixture over the dough layer and smooth out.
Finally, take the remaining dough and, using your fingers, crumble the dough evenly over the top of the apples, making sure that the apples are mostly covered.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40-50 minutes, until golden brown.
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.
Run a sharp knife around the edge of the bars to help release them from the baking tray, then slice into squares.
Now simply serve and enjoy!!

What do Apple Pie Crumble Bars taste like?

These crumble bars are packed with tons of cinnamony apple flavour, just like a classic apple pie, but because of the shortbread base and topping, they have a distinct buttery flavour. The texture of these bars are next level and will have you coming back for square after square.

It’s an absolute classic and if you love apple pie, it’s a must-try!!

What is the best pan to bake these Apple Pie Crumble Bars in?

A standard 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan will be perfect for these crumble bars, and I highly recommend lining the pan well on both sides. This will help the bars come out of the pan more easily.

Tips and Tricks – Apple Pie Crumble Bars

Feel free to swap the apples for pears, berries or plums for a fun twist!!
You can make the shortbread dough in a food processor, which will not only make the entire process quicker but also much easier.
The recipe video is on my TikTok and IG – please tag @aceofspoons_ if you make this recipe