Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some fall apple desserts that scream autumn? Seriously, who doesn't love the smell of apples and cinnamon baking? These Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars are where it's at!
Brief Overview
Apple crumble? Yes! Shortbread? Yes! These bars bring both together. They have a origin and cultural significance rooted in cozy home baking, difficulty level is medium and needs around 1 hour 40 minutes total, making 12 perfect slices.
Main Benefits
Honestly? These bars are all about comfort. The top health benefit ? Well, apples have fibre! Serve these on a chilly Sunday or for a potluck, and you'll be a legend.
What makes this special? The buttery shortbread crust against the spiced apples and crumbly topping is pure magic.
Okay, right then! Let's whip up a cocktail for these "Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars," shall we? I'm thinking cozy vibes, a bit of grandma's kitchen, and a dash of modern ease.
Here are 10 perfect for getting those search engines humming: Apple crumble bars recipe , fall dessert recipes , Easy apple desserts , Apple crumble slice , Autumn apple baking , Apple shortbread bars , Spiced apple crumble , Homemade apple bars , Apple dessert squares , Best apple crumble bars Now, let's get to the
ingredients you'll need for these beauties:
Ingredients for Autumn Apple Magic
For that Buttery Shortbread Base:
- You'll need 1 ½ cups (192g) of all-purpose flour, and extra for dusting.
- Grab ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) of cold unsalted butter, cubed.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar for sweetness.
- A pinch ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) of salt.
- And 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) ice water. Keep that water icy cold; it's important!
The Apple Filling Goodness:
- Get 4 medium apples (about 1.5 pounds, 680g). A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works wonders! Peel, core, and dice them up.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar.
- A splash 2 tablespoons (30ml) of lemon juice.
- 1 tablespoon (8g) of all-purpose flour to thicken things up.
- 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon.
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground nutmeg.
- A pinch of salt.
The Crumble Topping Bliss:
- ½ cup (64g) all-purpose flour.
- ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar.
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) ground cinnamon.
- ¼ cup (½ stick, 57g) cold unsalted butter, cubed.
- ¼ cup (25g) rolled oats (optional, but adds a great texture).
- ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but encouraged!).
So, ready to get baking some fall apple desserts ? This list looks long, but trust me, it comes together super quickly, and the flavour is outstanding.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!
Okay, right then! Let's whip up these Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars . They’re honestly the perfect fall treat. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into what you'll need.
You know, these are like grandma’s apple crumble, but way easier to handle.
Main Ingredients for Apple Dessert Magic
Let's make some amazing fall apple desserts . Here's what you need for these bars:
Shortbread Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour.
- ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed. The butter must be cold.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar.
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt.
- 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) ice water.
Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (about 1.5 pounds, 680g), like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. I like using a mix for flavour.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice.
- 1 tablespoon (8g) all-purpose flour.
- 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon.
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground nutmeg.
- Pinch of salt.
Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup (64g) all-purpose flour.
- ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar.
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) ground cinnamon.
- ¼ cup (½ stick, 57g) cold unsalted butter, cubed.
- ¼ cup (25g) rolled oats (optional).
- ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional).
For the apples, go for a mix of sweet and tart. It really makes a difference. Something like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith will give you great flavour. Quality apples are KEY.
Seasoning Notes: Spiced to Perfection
Cinnamon and nutmeg are your best friends here. They scream autumn. Honestly, the cinnamon nutmeg combo gives that warm, cozy vibe.
You can totally add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice too. I sometimes chuck in a dash of ginger for an extra zing.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You really don't need loads of fancy equipment.
- A 9x13 inch baking pan is a must.
- Parchment paper. Makes life so much easier.
- Mixing bowls and measuring stuff.
- A rolling pin. Or, you can use a wine bottle in a pinch!
- An oven. Set it to 375° F ( 190° C)
I hope you like this Apple crumble bars recipe . Also this makes great fall dessert recipes . In fact, these bars are the best apple crumble bars .
I love how easy apple desserts can be! They're like apple crumble slice or apple shortbread bars perfection. Enjoy some autumn apple baking , it is so rewarding! These homemade apple bars are truly something special, and their spiced apple crumble flavor is unmatched.
These apple dessert squares are great any time of day.
Cooking Method: Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars
Okay, right then! Let's get into it. We're making Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars! This is not your average baking project.
These fall apple desserts are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. I learned a thing or two perfecting this. honestly, the first few attempts were a bit.
.. wonky.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is key. Chop those apples! Measure out all your ingredients. This saves time and stress, trust me.
Safety first, always. Watch those fingers when dicing the apples! Honestly, I nicked myself a couple of times learning this recipe, so be careful!
Time saving tip: Get the butter cut into cubes and chilled. That makes a huge difference.
step-by-step: Easy as Apple Pie (Almost)
- Crust Time: Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter. Add 3-4 tablespoons ice water. Chill for 30 minutes .
- Apple Magic: Mix diced apples with sugar, lemon juice, flour, and spices. Toss gently.
- Crumble Power: Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter. Stir in oats and nuts if you are using.
- Assembly Line: Preheat oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Press dough into a parchment lined pan. Prick it with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes , until golden.
- Fill 'Er Up: Spread apple filling over the crust. Sprinkle crumble topping on top.
- Bake It Off: Bake for 30- 35 minutes . The topping should be golden brown. Apples should be bubbly. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
- Cool Down: Let cool completely before cutting. This is the hardest part. I know, trust me, I've been there.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Bar
Want to make it the best apple crumble bars ever? Here’s the truth, keep the butter cold , cold , cold ! It makes all the difference for that flaky crust and crumbly topping.
One thing I wish I knew earlier? Don't overmix the dough! Avoid tough crust. Another pro tip? Try mixing apple varieties.
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is my go to mix. You know, a little sweet, a little tart.
make-ahead option: You can prep the dough and filling the day before. This makes autumn apple baking so much easier. And who doesn't like easy?
What's the fuss about?
So there you have it, Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars. This is a warm hug in bar form. Perfect for an afternoon tea or a cheeky dessert after a roast.
Grab your ingredients and let's get baking some fall dessert recipes ! And remember, even if it doesn't look perfect, it'll taste amazing!
Recipe Notes for Your Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars
Alright, ready to dive into some extra bits and bobs about these amazing Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars ? I've baked these so many times I practically dream about them.
Honestly...they're that good. So, let's get down to the nitty gritty, shall we?
Serving Suggestions That Wow
These bars are pretty delicious on their own, but presentation matters, right? Cut them into neat squares and arrange them artfully on a plate.
Dust with a bit of icing sugar. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon whipped cream on the side? Oh my gosh, heaven! As for drinks, think cozy.
Warm apple cider is just the ticket. A glass of milk is awesome too.
Storage: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Rare, but it happens! Pop those bars in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you want them to last longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap each bar individually in cling film, then store them in a freezer bag.
They'll be good for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, just let them thaw at room temperature.
Warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave.
Variations: Make It Your Own
Fancy a twist? Instead of regular flour, try using a gluten-free blend and gluten-free oats to make it gluten-free. If you're looking for different flavors, swap apples for pears.
Pears make a lovely, moist crumble. Fall dessert recipes are all about adapting to what you have and what you love.
Nutrition: Goodness Inside
Let's keep it simple. Each bar is roughly 350 calories. There's about 3g of protein, 18g of fat, and 45g of carbs.
They're a treat. Homemade apple bars contain fiber from the apples and oats. They bring you a boost of energy.
Plus, apples are packed with vitamins. So, you're getting a little bit of good stuff with your deliciousness.
Okay, right then! That's everything! Hope you found these notes helpful. Don't be scared to experiment with these easy apple desserts .
I have complete faith that you can create some truly magical fall apple desserts . Happy baking, you legends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my shortbread crust turn out tough? It's not meant to be like a brick, is it?
Crikey! A tough shortbread crust usually means the dough was overmixed, developing too much gluten. Be gentle when mixing and only combine until just coming together, mate. Also, make sure your butter is properly cold that's crucial for a tender, crumbly base, just like you'd want in a biscuit!
Can I make these fall apple desserts ahead of time? I've got a potluck coming up and I'm trying to plan!
Absolutely! These Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars are actually fantastic made a day or two in advance. The flavors meld beautifully. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. They're even delightful warmed up a tad with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Bosh!
What's the best way to prevent the crumble topping from burning while baking these fall apple desserts? Don't want them turning black!
Nobody likes a burnt crumble! If you notice the topping is browning too quickly, gently tent the baking pan with aluminum foil. This will shield it from direct heat and allow the apples to cook through without turning the topping into charcoal.
Keep an eye on it, though, and remove the foil during the last 10 minutes if needed to achieve a golden brown hue. Simple as that!
Can I substitute any of the apples in this recipe? Granny Smiths aren't always my cup of tea.
Definitely! A mix of sweet and tart apples is ideal, so feel free to experiment. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples work beautifully. They add a lovely sweetness that complements the tartness of Granny Smiths. Even pears could work.
Remember each one has its own texture, so keep an eye on how they soften when cooking.
Are there any gluten-free or vegan alternatives for these fall apple desserts?
Yes, indeed! For gluten-free apple crumble bars, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats in the crumble topping. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative.
Ensure the vegan butter is cold for both the shortbread crust and crumble topping, just like regular butter. Now that's a good bake!
Autumn Apple Crumble Dream Bars
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
