Apple Crumble Bars – more apples than crumble
Soft, buttery dough, a heap of juicy apples, and a golden meringue topping—these apple crumble bars are the ultimate treat. Perfect for sharing (or not).
If you love this recipe, I’m sure you’ll also enjoy my Apple Cake – packed with more apples than dough, my flourless yogurt cake, or my lemon cake made with just one egg, which happens to be a favorite among readers.
Continuing with fruity cakes, check out this Morello Cherry Sponge Cake or the best Raspberry and Coconut Cake recipe. Looking for more crumble ideas? Try my Plum Crumble Recipe—it’s simple, delicious, and easy to make. For celebration-worthy cakes, don’t miss the Classic Italian Tiramisu Cake or my guide on How to Make Lemon Drizzle Cake with Cheese Frosting.
These Bars Are About to Be Your New Favorite Treat
If you love apples and want a dessert that screams “homemade comfort,” this recipe is calling your name. It’s all about balance—more apples, less crumble. Because honestly, why hold back on the apples? The best part? These bars are fancy enough to impress but easy enough for a casual baking day.
Oh, and can we talk about how fun it is to grate dough for the topping? Feels like crafting a masterpiece. Plus, there’s something magical about watching egg whites turn into shiny meringue clouds. So, grab your apron; you’re going to love this.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Apple-packed goodness: More apples mean every bite is fruity and satisfying.
- Perfect for all occasions: These bars fit right in whether it’s a weekday dessert or a dinner party showstopper.
- Simple ingredients: Everything on this list is pantry or fridge-friendly.
- Kid-approved: My kids love helping with the dough (and sneaking tastes of the meringue).
- Less waste: This recipe uses both yolks and whites, so nothing gets left behind.
Ingredients
When making this cake, start by prepping all your ingredients ahead of time to keep things running smoothly. Use room-temperature ingredients for the dough and meringue to help them mix evenly.
For the Crumble
A food processor can speed up the dough-making process, but hand mixing works just fine too. Make sure to properly drain the cooked apples to prevent the base from getting soggy.
For the Meringue
Lastly, let the cake cool completely before slicing into clean, neat portions.
How to make Apple Crumble Bars
Making my apple cake is so easy, that you’ll feel like a pro baker in no time—without the stress or the mess! Just chop the apples, whip up the simple dough, and let the oven do its magic.
Before you know it, you’ll be sitting down to a dessert that looks fancy enough to impress your guests but secretly took almost zero effort. Let’s call it “effortless genius.”
Step 1: Make the Dough
Toss all the dough ingredients into a food processor. Blend until crumbly, then knead it lightly by hand until it’s smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Grate the apples and cook them with sugar and cinnamon over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain them well in a strainer, then mix with breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Whip Up the Meringue
Whip the egg whites and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and whip until stiff and shiny.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Roll out the dough and press it into a buttered baking tray. Trim the edges so it only covers the bottom.
- Pre-bake the dough at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add the apple filling in an even layer.
- Spread the meringue on top and grate the reserved dough over the meringue.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Let the apple bars cool completely before slicing. Dust with icing sugar if you like.
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions
- Butter: Use margarine if you need a dairy-free option.
- Sour cream: Greek yoghurt works as well.
- Apples: Pears or a mix of apples and pears work well here.
- Breadcrumbs: Swap with semolina or almond flour.
- Powdered sugar: Blend regular sugar until fine if you’re out of icing sugar.
Variations
- Nutty topping: Add chopped walnuts or almonds on top of the apples for extra crunch.
- Spiced twist: Sprinkle in some nutmeg or allspice for a bolder flavour.
- Citrus zing: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the apples.
- Add more apples: Go wild with the apples if you want an even thicker filling.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze individual bars wrapped in foil. Reheat in the oven to bring them back to life.
FAQs
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with hot tea or coffee for a cosy afternoon snack.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips and Tricks
- Grate the cold dough quickly, so it doesn’t soften in your hands or simply pinch off small pieces with your fingers.
- Use parchment paper under the dough to transfer it to the pan easier.
- Cover the bars loosely with baking paper if the meringue starts browning too fast.
Best Apple Cakes
- Best Apple Cake with Fresh Apples – only 5 ingredients
- Apple and Raisin Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce
- Nutella Whipped Cream Apple Cake
- Easy Apple Doughnuts (no yeast)
- Delicious Apple Cake
- Apple Cake – more apples than dough
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