Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter and ½ cup sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add 2 cups flour and ¼ teaspoon salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to create a firm base.
4. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with ¼ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon flour.
   • The flour helps thicken the filling during baking.
2. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping

1. In a separate bowl, mix ¾ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
2. Cut in the ½ cup cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple layer.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
2. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This helps them set and hold their shape.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
• Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
• These bars are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Crumb Bars

• Apple Variety: Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the topping.
• Butter Temperature: Use cold butter for the crumb topping to get a crunchy texture.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Grandma’s Apple Crumb Bars are the ultimate cozy dessert—simple, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. With a buttery crust, tender apple filling, and crisp crumb topping, these bars are like a warm hug on a plate. They’re proof that some of the best desserts come from the heart, not the cookbook.

If you want, I can also make a visually appealing version with step-by-step images like a mini recipe guide that looks like it came straight from a baking blog—it makes it much easier to follow. Do you want me to do that?