Cinnamony Apple Streusel Bars
Sweet and cinnamon-spiced apple streusel bars feature a buttery crust, tender apples, and crunchy topping, perfect for dessert or a cozy snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a large bowl until well blended.
- Press 1/3 of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, toss chopped apples with the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar until dissolved.
- Arrange the apples over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apple filling.
- Bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes or until apples are tender.
- Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, drizzle with glaze if desired, then cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or using a mix of apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth of flavor. If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers can work well. Ensure the apples are evenly coated with sugar to enhance their sweetness while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. They also pair beautifully with a cup of warm cider or coffee. For a festive touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or glaze before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp while warming the filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamony Apple Streusel Bars contains roughly 190 calories, with 0g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing different apple varieties can add complexity to the flavor. For example, using tart apples like Granny Smith alongside sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp creates a balanced taste in the bars.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these bars a day in advance. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. They taste even better after resting, as the flavors meld together and the texture improves.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan margarine. Both alternatives will provide a similar richness to the streusel while keeping the bars moist and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).