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.
Equipment
- 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch Baking Pan
- Large bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Food Processor (optional)
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 250 g butter (cold butter, cut into cubes)
- 200 g caster sugar
- 450 g plain flour / all purpose flour
- 1 egg
Apple Pie Filling
- 3 large or 4 medium tart apples (granny smith or bramley work well, but any tart cooking apple will work)
- 100 g light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or paste
- 1 tbsp cornflour / corn starch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease and line an 8x8 inch or 9x9 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!!
Notes
- 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