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Apple Cranberry Crumble Bars are a sweet and crunchy treat that celebrates the fall season.
This is a guest post from my friends Jackie and Keith of the blog, Superman Cooks. Be sure to check out their stunning blog for recipes like this Dark Chocolate Torte and this Quick and Easy Pumpkin Bread.
The sight of vibrant red apples coloring the farmers’ market is a sure sign that fall has arrived. Despite the date on the calendar, there has yet to be that cool, crispness in the air that we associate with fall here on the east coast. Yet the apple trees seem to be flourishing.
This year in particular, the apples appear brighter, sweeter, and juicy than ever. Maybe absence does make the heart grow fonder.
While I am normally not a dessert person, there is something about this time of year that makes my taste buds perk up for something sweet.
Everywhere we go lately, pumpkin-flavored desserts and sweets surround us. While pumpkin is a great choice for a dessert, I just could not forget the scent of the freshly-picked apples.
As we walked around the farmers’ market perusing the stands for inspiration, Jackie took one look at me and could tell that apples were stuck in my head.
We decided to buy the perfect apples with little idea of what dessert they would become. I began thinking about what flavors pair well with apples.
Cranberries seemed to be a good pairing, but finding fresh berries this time of year was a little tricky. So, we decided to use the dried variety and found that they worked well in this recipe because they are packed with sweetness and dry enough to soak up all the juice from the apples.
Therefore, this dessert is easily eaten with your hands. Fresh pecans added a layer of crunchy flavor to these sweet treats.
Apple Cranberry Crumble bars turned out to be a great on-the-go dessert, an indulgent breakfast treat, or a decadent snack that our whole family could enjoy.
They are an easy treat to take to work, or share at a bake sale because they don’t require a fork. The seasonal apple flavor shines through, and the texture of the crunchy, crumbly topping is instantly addicting.
Fall is definitely here, and these Apple Cranberry Crumble Bars are a great way to usher in the season.
For more delicious apple desserts, be sure to check out the Apple Hand Pies, this Snickers Caramel Apple Salad and this Caramel Apple Poke Cake. I’m also loving these Cranberry Bars!
Apple Cranberry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
For the crust:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1½ cup flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For the filling:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 4 apples we used honey crisp
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup water
For the topping:
- ½ cup pecans finely chopped
- 1½ cups quick oats
- 1 cup flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter frozen
Instructions
- To make the crust: Preheat the oven to 375°. Line the bottom of a 10x13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Slowly add the flour and salt and mix until soft dough forms.
- Press dough into bottom of pan and a ½ inch up the sides.
- Bake in the oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Remove and allow to cool.
- To make the filling: In a large sauté pan, melt butter and brown sugar over low heat.
- Peel, core and dice apples into ¼" pieces. Add to pan and cook for about 8 minutes until apples have softened. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg and cook until caramelized.
- Add water as needed to prevent apples from sticking.
- Add cranberries and remove from heat.
- Stir until combined and allow mixture to cool.
- To make the topping: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, pecans and salt.
- Cut frozen butter into ¼ inch pieces and add to oat mixture and using your hands. Squeeze butter into mixture until butter is a mealy consitancy.
- To assemble: Spread apple cranberry mixture over crust and then top with crumble topping.
- Bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Remove from pan and cut and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What if I can’t eat nuts? Is there a substitute for those pecans?
This looks delicious. I might even try adding pears too.
Pears sound like a perfect addition!