Caramelized Cinnamon Apple Crumb Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it combines the comfort of apple pie with the ease of a bar dessert. The caramelized apples give it a deep sweetness, while the shortbread base keeps everything sturdy and buttery. I also love that these bars cut cleanly and travel well, making them perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or cozy evenings at home.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Filling
4 tbsp butter
2 lbs thinly sliced honeycrisp apples (about 6 whole apples)
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp kosher salt

Shortbread Crust
½ lb (2 sticks) butter, softened
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp kosher salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Streusel Topping
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup + 1 tbsp packed brown sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ lb (1 stick) butter, cut into cubes

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting later.

2. For the filling, I melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the sliced apples for about 8 minutes until caramelized. I stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, letting it simmer for a minute before removing from heat to cool.

3. For the crust, I beat butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a stand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. I add the flour in two batches, mixing until fully combined.

4. For the streusel, I mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. I cut in the butter with my fingers until coarse crumbs form.

5. To assemble, I press the shortbread dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, spread the apple filling with all its sauce on top, and sprinkle the streusel over the apples.

6. I bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and set.

7. I let the bars cool at room temperature for about 45 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into 12 squares with a serrated knife.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 bars. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 35 minutes to bake, plus 45 minutes to cool before slicing, for a total of about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap honeycrisp apples for Granny Smith to make the filling a little more tart. I also like adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch. If I want a caramel twist, I drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the streusel topping. For a spiced variation, I add nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—I wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, I reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes or in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, I often use Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness.

Can I make the bars ahead of time?

Yes, I bake them a day in advance—they hold up well and taste even better the next day.

Do I need to peel the apples?

I usually peel them, but leaving the skins on adds extra texture.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and streusel.

Can I add nuts to the streusel?

Absolutely, pecans or walnuts make a great crunchy addition.

Can I drizzle caramel on top?

Yes, caramel sauce makes these bars even more decadent.

Do these bars travel well?

Yes, they cut cleanly and hold their shape, making them perfect for sharing.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, I bake it in an 8×8-inch pan and reduce the bake time slightly.

How do I keep the shortbread crust from getting soggy?

I make sure to fully caramelize the apples so they don’t release excess liquid.

Are these best served warm or cold?

I enjoy them both ways—warm for a soft, gooey texture and cold for a firmer bite.

Conclusion

Caramelized Cinnamon Apple Crumb Bars are one of my go-to desserts when I want something comforting and full of flavor. I love the balance of buttery crust, sweet apples, and crunchy streusel in every bite. Whether I’m baking them for a cozy night in or bringing them to share, they always turn out irresistible.