Spiced Apple Crumble Bars with Maplepecan Streusel

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving autumn baking? Oh my gosh, these spiced apple crumble bars are the answer. Honestly, they're the perfect fall potluck desserts, packed with warm spices and a delightful maple pecan streusel.

Brief Overview

This recipe gives a nod to classic American baking. Think comforting apple crumble, but in bar form. These dessert bars for potlucks are medium difficulty and take about an hour to make.

You will get 16 bars, which is perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

These spiced apple crumble bars have a secret. Apples are packed with fiber. They are ideal Thanksgiving potluck desserts . But what really makes them special is that dreamy maple pecan streusel.

Unveiling Spiced Apple Crumble Bars: The Ultimate Fall Treat

A Little Story Behind the Spice

These bars came about from a desperate need for easy fall desserts for a crowd . My friends and I were having an autumn gathering, and the pressure was on.

One year I tried and failed an apple pie. Disaster!

Gather 'Round, It's Apple Time

You'll need a handful of everyday ingredients. I'm talking flour, sugar, butter, apples of course, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, pecans, and maple syrup.

Oh, and a pinch of salt. Salt is your friend, you know?

What Makes This Recipe Extra Special

I like these bars so much better than traditional pie. A slice is so much easier to eat and transport.

Plus , that maple pecan streusel is a total game changer. You know what I mean?

It's All About the Crust

Here's a pro-tip. Make sure that butter is ice cold . This is crucial for a flaky crust. Honestly, a food processor makes this step a breeze, but don't overmix it!

Apple Filling, Autumn's Embrace

Dice up those apples and toss them with sugar, flour, and those lovely warm spices. That spiced apple dessert recipe is so divine. A splash of lemon juice adds a nice tang.

Streusel Time! A Nutty Sweet Dream

The maple pecan streusel is the star of the show. That's the thing that transforms these bars into a real treat.

Don't skimp on the maple syrup! Maple is a flavor that I really admire on an fall dessert ideas .

Baking Time, Almost There!

Bake these beauties until golden brown and the apples are tender. Honestly, the aroma will make you drool. Let them cool completely before cutting. I know, it's hard.

Tips, Tricks, and Oh-My-Gosh Moments

Keep that butter cold, don't overmix the crust, and cool completely. These are the golden rules. If you’re looking for potluck dessert recipes , this is a winner.

These apple crumble bars are divine. Also I think these fall harvest desserts would be better when you are using fresh produce.

Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need to create these Spiced Apple Crumble Bars with that gorgeous Maple Pecan Streusel . Honestly, these are the fall potluck desserts people will be fighting over.

It is a very easy fall dessert for a crowd.

Ingredients & Equipment

So, here's the lowdown on what you need to nail this recipe. It is one of those potluck dessert recipes that are easy to transport.

Get ready for some serious autumn baking !

Main Ingredients

• Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) cold, cubed unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons (60ml) ice water

  For the butter, it must be cold. It makes all the difference in the crust texture.

• Apple Filling:

  • 6 medium apples (about 3 pounds/1.36kg) , peeled, cored, diced
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  Grab Gala , Honeycrisp , or Braeburn apples, they hold their shape well. Also, a good spiced apple dessert recipe needs fresh apples. Trust me on this.

• Maple Pecan Streusel:

  • ½ cup (64g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (28g) chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup (½ stick / 57g) cold, cubed unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt

Seasoning Notes

This recipe is all about warm and cozy flavors. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are essential. They create that classic fall harvest desserts vibe.

Don't skip the lemon juice! It brightens the apples and balances the sweetness. If you are making them for Thanksgiving potluck desserts this is the kind of recipe you want.

Want to amp up the flavor? A dash of cardamom in the apple filling takes it to the next level.

For a quick sub, you can use apple pie spice instead of individual spices.

Equipment Needed

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Pastry blender or food processor (optional)

Honestly, the food processor makes the crust a breeze. But a pastry blender or even your fingers will do. Just make sure the butter stays cold! Parchment paper is your friend.

It makes lifting the bars out of the pan super easy. These dessert bars for potlucks are so much easier to serve than a whole pie.

These are a real winner for fall dessert ideas , I hope you are as excited to make this apple crumble bars or maple pecan streusel treat, like I was creating them.

This is one of those easy fall desserts for a crowd, So there you have it everything you need.

Let's get baking!

Alright, let's get this show on the road! Time to whip up a fall potluck dessert that'll have everyone saying "Oh, go on then, just one more slice!" Think Mary Berry meets Nigella Lawson, but with a healthy dose of my own cheffy swagger.

I swear, these apple crumble bars are pure autumn joy.

Spiced Apple Crumble Bars with Maple Pecan Streusel

These aren't your Granny's apple pie bars, although she'd probably love them! This recipe takes the classic comfort of apple crumble and transforms it into easy-to-transport and eat bars.

This spiced apple dessert recipe will make you the star of any fall harvest desserts party.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

• First, get all your ingredients measured out, chopped, and ready to go. It’s called mise en place - fancy, innit? It's the key to stress free autumn baking .
• For a time saving tip, chop your pecans and cube the butter while the apples are cooling.
• Remember to keep that butter ICE cold! This is crucial for the flakiest crust and streusel.

step-by-step: Baking Bliss

1. Crust Time: Mix 1 ½ cups flour , ½ cup sugar , and ½ teaspoon salt . Cut in ½ cup cold butter until crumbly. Add 4 tablespoons ice water until dough forms. Press half into a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Pre-Bake: Pop that crust in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 15 minutes till it's lightly golden .
3. Apple Magic: Mix 6 diced apples with ¼ cup sugar , 2 tablespoons flour , 1 teaspoon cinnamon , ½ teaspoon nutmeg , ¼ teaspoon ginger , and 1 tablespoon lemon juice .
4. Assemble: Spread apple filling over the pre-baked crust.
5. Streusel Dream: Mix ½ cup flour , ½ cup brown sugar , ¼ cup pecans , pinch of salt. Cut in ¼ cup cold butter , then stir in 2 tablespoons maple syrup .
6. Top it Off: Sprinkle streusel over apples. Crumble remaining crust over the streusel.
7. Bake: Back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45 minutes or until golden and apples are tender.
8. Cool and Devour (Later): Let cool completely before cutting. It's the hardest part, honestly!

Pro Tips for Potluck Perfection

• Don't overmix the crust! It makes it tough. Mix until just combined.
• If you are looking for easy fall desserts for a crowd , these dessert bars for potlucks can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Talk about fall dessert ideas .
• Common mistake? Not cooling them enough. I know, it's hard, but wait! These maple pecan streusel apple crumble bars are a guaranteed hit at any gathering, perfect for Thanksgiving potluck desserts or any fall potluck desserts . Enjoy! I reckon you'll find plenty of potluck dessert recipes to make this autumn.

Recipe Notes: Making Your Apple Crumble Bars Shine

Right then, let’s talk about those little tweaks and tips that'll make these spiced apple dessert recipe bars truly unforgettable.

Honestly, these apple crumble bars are pretty forgiving, but a little know how never hurts, does it?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Alright, let's get fancy. These dessert bars for potlucks look amazing served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Oh my gosh, the contrast of cold ice cream and warm, spiced apples? Heavenly! For presentation, think rustic chic. A dusting of icing sugar and a sprig of mint adds a lovely touch.

Or, if you're feeling extra, drizzle with some homemade caramel sauce easy peasy! As for drinks, a mug of hot, spiced apple cider.

Sorted.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Fresh

So, you’ve managed to resist eating all the bars in one go? Fair play! To keep them at their best, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They'll happily keep for around three days. Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap them individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag.

They'll last for up to two months. Reheating is a doddle a few seconds in the microwave or a quick warm-up in the oven.

Variations: Tailoring to Your Taste

Fancy a change? For a fall harvest desserts , why not swap the apples for pears and add some dried cranberries? It is really delicious.

Need a gluten-free option? No problem! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the crust and streusel. Vegans, I’ve got you covered too! Use vegan butter and maple syrup instead of honey in the streusel.

These simple swaps ensure that everyone can enjoy these easy fall desserts for a crowd at your Thanksgiving potluck desserts .

It's all about making them accessible.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Knowledge

Each bar clocks in around 320 calories. It's got about 3 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fibre, and 25 grams of sugar.

But hey, it's a treat! And apples are good for you, right? Packed with fibre and vitamins, this fall potluck dessert is a delightful indulgence that brings people together.

Just remember everything in moderation.

So, there you have it! A few simple notes to help you on your way to making the ultimate fall potluck desserts .

Don’t be afraid to experiment, add your own little twist, and most importantly, have fun. After all, autumn baking should be enjoyable, creating delicious memories with these potluck dessert recipes , like this magnificent maple pecan streusel .

Now, go on, get baking!