Apple Walnut Crumble Bars
There’s something truly magical about the smell of warm spices and freshly baked apples filling your home on a crisp autumn day. If you’ve ever yearned for a dessert that tastes like a cozy hug, rich with layers of texture and flavor, you’re about to discover your new favorite treat. These Rustic Apple Walnut Crumble Squares combine the sweetness of tender apples, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and a buttery crumble topping that’s simply irresistible.
Equipment
- 8 x 8 Baking Pan Optional
- Baking Dish 8 x 8 Glass (w/lid) Optional
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling:
- 3 lbs. apples approx. 4 medium sized, e.g., gala, Braeburn, golden delicious, pink lady, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper.
For the crust:
- Beat butter, both sugars, and vanilla until creamy. Whisk flour, salt, cinnamon, and walnuts, and add slowly to the mixture until just combined. Press two-thirds into the pan. Chill for 20 minutes, then bake 18-20 minutes until golden. Cool.
- Chill for 20 minutes, then bake 18-20 minutes until golden. Cool.
For the filling:
- Melt butter, add apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook 15 minutes. Add cornstarch, cook until thickened. Spread over crust.
- Crumble remaining dough over apples. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool, then cut into bars.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!