Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars 🍎✨

A timeless treat with a buttery crust, tender apple filling, and a golden crumb topping — just like Grandma used to make.

Introduction

Before we dive into the cozy aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, let me just say — thank you for being here. Truly. Recipes like this one are little family treasures, and I’m so glad to share it with you. These Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars are everything I love about old-fashioned baking: simple ingredients, a bit of love, and results that taste like home.

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Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars

This recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and nostalgia. Picture it: tender cinnamon-kissed apples sandwiched between layers of buttery crust and golden crumble. The smell alone will make everyone wander into the kitchen!

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof — these bars are wonderful warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or chilled for a sweet snack the next day. Anything but boring!!

The Taste

The flavor? Like apple pie’s charming cousin. 🍏 You get the buttery richness of the crust, the cozy sweetness of spiced apples, and that irresistible crumb topping that’s both crunchy and tender. Every bite feels like autumn wrapped in a blanket.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients – nothing fancy or hard to find.

• One bowl for the crust & topping – easy cleanup!

• Perfect for gatherings – makes a full 9×13 pan, great for potlucks or family dinners.

• Freezer-friendly – bake ahead and freeze for a rainy day treat.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Crust & Topping

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

• 1 large egg

For the Apple Filling

• 5 cups apples (peeled, diced)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking pan

• Large mixing bowls

• Pastry cutter or fork

• Rubber spatula

• Cooling rack

🍏 Additions & Substitutions

• Apples: Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness — or mix both!

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.

• Try brown sugar: Swap half the white sugar for brown sugar for deeper flavor.

• Gluten-free: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions