👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2️⃣ Make the Crust & Topping
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg until just combined.
Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
3️⃣ Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture over the crust.
4️⃣ Add the Crumb Topping
Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the apples — don’t worry about perfection! That rustic look is part of the charm.
5️⃣ Bake & Cool
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the apples are soft and bubbling.
Let cool completely before slicing into bars. (I know it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it!)
🍨 What to Serve With Apple Crumb Bars
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A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream
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A dollop of fresh whipped cream
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A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
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Or just a cozy mug of coffee ☕ or hot cider 🍂
💡 Tips for the Best Bars
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Use cold butter — it’s the secret to a crumbly, tender crust.
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Dice apples evenly for even baking.
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Let cool before cutting to avoid crumbling.
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Line the pan with parchment for easy lifting and cleaner slices.
🧺 Storage Instructions
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm in the oven before serving.
ℹ️ General Information
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Yield: 16–20 bars
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Bake Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
You can, but fresh apples give the best texture and flavor. If you use canned, reduce added sugar slightly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste even better the next day once the flavors meld together.
What apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji — or a mix for that perfect balance of tart and sweet.
❤️ Conclusion
These Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars are a cozy classic that never goes out of style. They’re simple to make, crowd-pleasing, and filled with that old-fashioned magic that makes your kitchen smell like love and cinnamon.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creation!
Leave a review below or share your photos on Pinterest — it makes my day seeing your baking adventures. 🍏📸
And if you enjoyed this one, don’t miss these other cozy recipes:
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Brown Butter Peach Crisp
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Old-Fashioned Apple Cake
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Caramel Pear Hand Pies
🧮 Nutritional Information (per bar, approx.)
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Calories: 230
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Fat: 9g
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Sugar: 18g
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Protein: 2g
