Apple Crumb Bars
There’s something special about Grandma’s baking — the smell of cinnamon filling the kitchen, the warmth of the oven, and the first sweet bite that tastes like home. Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars are one of those timeless recipes that have been passed down for generations. These bars combine tender spiced apples, a buttery crust, and a golden crumb topping that melts in your mouth. They’re the perfect dessert for cozy family gatherings or to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a cool afternoon.
**Ingredients**
*For the crust and crumb topping:*
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
*For the apple filling:*
5 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 5–6 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
**Instructions**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until crumbly but slightly moist.
3. Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Firmly pack it down with the back of a spoon or your hands.
4. In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
5. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apples, gently pressing it down.
6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper and cutting into squares.
**Methods**
Use cold butter to achieve a crisp and crumbly texture in the crust and topping. The dough mixture should remain slightly coarse; overmixing will make it dense. For best results, slice the apples thinly and evenly so they cook at the same rate. Allow the baked bars to cool fully before cutting — this helps them hold their shape.
**History**
Apple crumb bars originated as a simpler take on traditional apple pie. In the early 1900s, home bakers sought quicker ways to make comforting desserts without rolling pie crusts. Recipes like these became household favorites in American kitchens, often handwritten in family cookbooks. Grandma’s version keeps that rustic charm and homemade comfort alive, using basic pantry staples and fresh apples from the orchard.
**Benefits**
These bars combine the wholesome goodness of apples with the richness of butter and the warmth of spices. Apples are high in fiber and antioxidants, and cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels. The bars are easy to portion and share, making them a great choice for potlucks or family desserts. They’re also freezer-friendly and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
**Formation**
To form perfect bars, press the crust firmly but not too tightly to avoid a tough base. Layer the apples evenly, ensuring they cover the crust fully for balanced flavor in each bite. The crumb topping should be scattered lightly so it forms a golden, slightly crunchy layer when baked.
**Nutrition (per serving, approx.)**
Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
**Conclusion**
Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars are a slice of nostalgia in every bite. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and golden crumb topping, they’re the ultimate comfort dessert. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, these bars bring back the cozy taste of home-baked love.
**Lovers**
Apple dessert lovers, fall baking enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates old-fashioned homemade treats will adore this recipe. It’s perfect for holidays, bake sales, or simply for making your kitchen smell like Grandma’s once again.
