Apple Walnut Crumb Bars

Hey there, fellow sweet treat lovers! Forget those boring, blah desserts — these Apple Walnut Crumb Bars are the kind of sticky, crumbly deliciousness you’ve been waiting for. Imagine crunchy walnuts and juicy apples coming together in a sweet, comforting embrace. It’s like fall in a bar form! I guarantee after one bite, you’re gonna want to make this again and again.

Okay, I gotta tell y’all, my family is borderline obsessed with these bars. Honestly, it all started when I had a bag of walnuts just chillin’ in the pantry for who-knows-how-long. One day, I tossed some together with apple bits that were about to do the big ol’ crisper drawer dive — and our lives changed. Now, my husband is the first to grab these off the cooling rack (still too hot, not that he cares!), and my kids… well, let’s just say they have an unwillingness to eat anything else on the days I make these.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Walnut Crumb Bars

Let’s be real, this recipe is amazing for a few reasons:

– Zero fancy gadgets needed. Just simple, sweet, and takes you back to childhood, like finding a forgotten $5 in your pocket.
– They’re those perfect “sweet but not-too-sweet” that your taste buds will throw a party over.
– Easy enough to whip up even if your 3-year-old decides measuring cups are drums.
– Perfect for that mid-morning coffee break (sorry, bagel), picnics, or sneaky midnight snacks — enjoy ’em however, wherever!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get a little messy in the kitchen! So you’re gonna start by preheating that bad boy (aka the oven) to 350°F. Grab a mixing bowl—bigger is safer, trust me. Mix your flour, oats, and brown sugar all together. Toss in some salt. Had a bad day? Maybe toss in a bit more salt for good luck. Next, cube up the butter and use your fingers like a magician, incorporating it until it’s crumbly. Get those fingers all buttery.

Then, reach for those glorious apples — skin on or off is your preference, no judgment here. Dice ’em up, maybe sneak a few bites, and mix ’em with more sugar and some cinnamon (because duh, of course!). Chuck in the nuts and mix it like the universe depends on it. Finally, spread half that crumbly god-send stuff into a pan, throw the apple mix on like you’re in a food ad and crumble the rest on top. Bake… and for goodness’ sake, don’t eat it all in one go. Or do. I’m not your mother.

Ingredient Notes

– Apples: I prefer those slightly tart ones. Think Granny Smith — they add a nice zing. But seriously, use whatever you got! Once, I used bruised red apples, and you know what? It was dang tasty.
– Walnuts: Oh, sweet crunch! Toast them if you’re feeling fancy and have the patience. But raw is still gonna rock your world.
– Butter: Real butter is where it’s at. Tried margarine once. Don’t. It’s a mood killer.

Recipe Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and start mixing flour, oats, brown sugar, and a touch of salt.
2. Add in butter, embracing the mess!
3. Prepare apples by dicing, then mix in sugar and cinnamon. Add walnuts.
4. Layer the oat mixture and apple mixture in a pan, top with remaining crumbs.
5. Bake until golden and your kitchen smells like heaven.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

Jump right into enjoying these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a rockstar party in your mouth. Went too wild on the sugar? Maybe skip the caramel sauce that time.

Storage Tips

Store these goodies in an airtight container. They’ll keep you happy for a few days on the countertop. My advice? Try one cold from the fridge—it’s kinda like sneaking that last slice of pie from last Thanksgiving. It also doubles as a good breakfast treat, and I won’t judge!

Variations and Substitutions

Oh, the things you can do! Run out of brown sugar? No sweat. Honey or maple syrup works like a charm. Don’t have walnuts? Pecans or almonds can pop in confidently. No apples? Pears can totally crash this party and will be loved, trust me.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple Walnut Crumb Bars

Deliciously sweet and crunchy apple walnut crumb bars perfect for dessert or snack time.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into pieces
• ▢ 3 cups peeled and sliced apples about 3 medium apples, tart variety
• ▢ 1 cup chopped walnuts toasted
• ▢ 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 0.25 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the base.
• In a separate bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. Spread apple mixture over the crust.
• Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly over the apple layer.
• Crumble the remaining flour and butter mixture over the top to cover apples and nuts.
• Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.