Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars 

A timeless treat with a buttery crust, tender apple filling, and a golden crumb topping — just like Grandma used to make.

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Introduction

Before we dive into the cozy aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, let me just say — thank you for being here. Truly. Recipes like this one are little family treasures, and I’m so glad to share it with you. These Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars are everything I love about old-fashioned baking: simple ingredients, a bit of love, and results that taste like home.

If you’d like to get this recipe (and more nostalgic desserts!) delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe below — because these are the kind of recipes you’ll want to keep forever. 

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Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars

This recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and nostalgia. Picture it: tender cinnamon-kissed apples sandwiched between layers of buttery crust and golden crumble. The smell alone will make everyone wander into the kitchen!

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof — these bars are wonderful warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or chilled for a sweet snack the next day. Anything but boring!!

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The Taste

The flavor? Like apple pie’s charming cousin.  You get the buttery richness of the crust, the cozy sweetness of spiced apples, and that irresistible crumb topping that’s both crunchy and tender. Every bite feels like autumn wrapped in a blanket.

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Benefits of This Recipe

• Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients – nothing fancy or hard to find.

• One bowl for the crust & topping – easy cleanup!

• Perfect for gatherings – makes a full 9×13 pan, great for potlucks or family dinners.

• Freezer-friendly – bake ahead and freeze for a rainy day treat.

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 Ingredients

For the Crust & Topping

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

• 1 large egg

For the Apple Filling

• 5 cups apples (peeled, diced)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

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 Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking pan

• Large mixing bowls

• Pastry cutter or fork

• Rubber spatula

• Cooling rack

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 Additions & Substitutions

• Apples: Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness — or mix both!

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.

• Try brown sugar: Swap half the white sugar for brown sugar for deeper flavor.

• Gluten-free: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

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 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

 Preheat the Oven

Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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!)

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 What to Serve With Apple Crumb Bars

• A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream

• A dollop of fresh whipped cream

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce

• Or just a cozy mug of coffee  or hot cider 

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 Tips for the Best Bars

• Use cold butter — it’s the secret to a crumbly, tender crust.

• Dice apples evenly for even baking.

• Let cool before cutting to avoid crumbling.

• Line the pan with parchment for easy lifting and cleaner slices.

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 Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 5 days.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm in the oven before serving.

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 General Information

• Yield: 16–20 bars

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Bake Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

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 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.

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 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:

• Brown Butter Peach Crisp

• Old-Fashioned Apple Cake

• Caramel Pear Hand Pies

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 Nutritional Information (per bar, approx.)

• Calories: 230

• Fat: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 36g

• Sugar: 18g

• Protein: 2g