Apple Walnut Crumble Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Walnut Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the warmth of autumn and the richness of flavors. They are not only tasty but also make for a great dessert for gatherings and a sweet snack for any time of the day. With the combination of apples and walnuts topped with a crunchy crumble, these bars are a perfect balance of sweet and nutty.

How to Make Apple Walnut Crumble Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold cubed butter and blend until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan to form the crust layer.
5. Toss apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Spread the apple filling over the crust layer in the pan.
7. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the apples, followed by the remaining crumble mixture.
8. Drizzle beaten egg and vanilla extract over the crumble topping.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
10. Allow to cool before cutting into squares. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.

How to Serve Apple Walnut Crumble Bars

These bars are best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them on their own or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat. Drizzling some caramel sauce over the bars can also enhance their taste and presentation.

How to Store Apple Walnut Crumble Bars

To store Apple Walnut Crumble Bars, let them cool completely and then cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Apple Walnut Crumble Bars

1. Make sure the butter is cold to get a nice crumb texture.
2. Feel free to use a mix of apples for different flavors and textures.
3. Don’t skip the lemon juice; it adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the apples.
4. If you like more crunch, you can increase the amount of walnuts.

Variation

You can add other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. For a berry twist, mix in some blueberries or cranberries with the apples. If you desire a spicier flavor, adding more cinnamon or some ginger can be a great choice.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
   Yes, you can replace apples with peaches, pears, or berries for a different flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, by using gluten-free flour and oats, you can make this recipe gluten-free.

3. How can I make these bars more decadent?
   You can add chocolate chips to the crumble mixture or drizzle chocolate sauce on top before serving.