Easy and Comforting Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars
These apple cinnamon crumble bars are layered with buttery shortbread, gooey cinnamon apples, and a golden oat crumble topping.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 medium apples peeled and diced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the crust and topping: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Press the base: Take about two-thirds of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Prepare the apple layer: In a separate bowl, mix diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and vanilla until well coated.
- Add the apple filling: Evenly spread the apple mixture over the base layer in the pan.
- Top with remaining crumble: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the apples, gently pressing it down to help it stick.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan before lifting out and slicing. This helps them set up and cut cleanly.
- Serve and enjoy: Dust with powdered sugar if desired, or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra flavor.