Description
These easy cinnamon sugar apple bars are the perfect fall dessert, combining a buttery base, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy crumb topping. Ready in just 45 minutes, they are simpler than pie and perfect for weeknights or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for base)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for base)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for base)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for base)
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and lightly spray with non-stick spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix the base flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
- In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Let sit for a few minutes, then stir in the melted butter to coat.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pressed base layer.
- In a clean bowl, combine the topping flour, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or fingers until large, pea-sized crumbs form.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If edges brown too quickly, cover with foil.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before lifting out and cutting. This ensures the bars set properly and don’t fall apart.
Notes
For best texture, use Granny Smith apples as they hold their shape. Ensure the butter for the topping is cold to create a crumbly texture. Do not cut the bars while warm, or they will be mushy. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: fall dessert, apple bars, cinnamon sugar, easy dessert, weeknight baking, gluten-free option, make ahead dessert