Apple Crumble Bars with Shortbread Crust

These Apple Crumble Bars are everything I love about fall: warm cinnamon apples, buttery shortbread, and a golden oat topping.

They’re easy to make, beautifully layered, and absolutely irresistible with a scoop of ice cream!

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s like an apple pie—but in bar form, with no need to roll out dough.

The shortbread crust is rich, crumbly, and buttery.

The spiced apple filling is sweet, tart, and soft.

That golden oat topping adds the perfect crunch.

It’s ideal for potlucks, holidays, or a cozy afternoon treat.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Unsalted butter – for both the base and crumble topping

Granny Smith apples – tart and firm, perfect for baking

Sugar + brown sugar – gives balance and deep flavor

Cinnamon + nutmeg – classic warm spices for the apple layer

Oats – old-fashioned rolled oats for a hearty crumble

Flour, salt, vanilla – pantry staples for structure and flavor

Pro Tips Before You Start

Peel and slice the apples thinly for even baking.

Chill the shortbread base for a few minutes before baking for a firmer texture.

Let the bars cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges.

Use parchment with overhang—it makes removing the bars super easy!

How to Make Apple Crumble Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra over the sides.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Shortbread Base

In a bowl, cream the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.

Mix in flour and salt until a dough forms.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, until just golden at the edges. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Spread this mixture over the cooled shortbread crust in an even layer.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping

In a new bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Stir in melted butter until it forms a crumbly texture.

Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 30–35 minutes until the crumble is golden and the apples are tender.

Cool the pan completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Once cooled, lift the bars using the parchment overhang.

Slice into neat squares and serve as is or with ice cream.

What to Serve It With

These bars pair perfectly with:

A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream

Hot apple cider or spiced tea

A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence

Variations / Substitutions

Different apples: Try Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a sweeter twist.

Add nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble for crunch.

Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for more depth.

Storage & Leftovers

Store bars in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.

To freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw before serving. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave before eating!

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties besides Granny Smith?
Yes, any firm baking apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji works well.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling helps them soften better and improves the texture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They’re great the next day and can be made up to 2 days in advance.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can grease the pan well, but parchment makes removal much easier.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats give better texture, but quick oats will work in a pinch.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use two 9×13 pans or one larger sheet pan and extend the baking time slightly.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
The crumble topping should be golden and the apple layer bubbling at the edges.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Crumble Bars are a perfect mash-up of crisp, crumble, and pie.

They’re cozy, easy to slice and share, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re baking for fall gatherings or just craving something homey and sweet, these bars hit the spot.

The Boat Shed Kitchen

Apple Crumble Bars

These Apple Crumble Bars layer a buttery shortbread crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly oat topping. They’re easy to make, slice beautifully, and offer that classic apple pie flavor—no rolling pin required.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Shortbread Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Layer

• 4 medium Granny Smith apples peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Crumble Topping

• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
2. For the crust: Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla.
3. Add flour and salt.
4. Press into pan and bake 15–18 mins until edges are golden. Cool slightly.
5. For the apple layer: Toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread over crust.
6. For the topping: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
7. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/apple-crumble-bars/

Notes

• Granny Smith apples hold their shape well, but any tart apple works.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence.
• These bars freeze well—wrap them tightly and store for up to 2 months.