When you think of Thanksgiving Desserts, what comes to mind? Probably pumpkin pie, maybe a pecan pie. They are classics for a reason! But sometimes, you want something a little different, something that feels just as festive but maybe a little easier to put together. That is where these amazing Apple Crumble Bars come in.
Imagine a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a layer of tender, cinnamon spiced apples, and finished with a crunchy, nutty crumble. Drizzle a little caramel on top, and you have one of the best Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, this one is a keeper.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love? These bars capture all the cozy flavors of fall in every single bite. They have the soul of a classic apple pie but are served in a simple, shareable bar form. No need to worry about rolling out a finicky pie crust or having it crack in the oven.
This is one of those Thanksgiving Baking Recipes that is great for bakers of all skill levels. If you are new to baking, this is a fantastic place to start. The steps are straightforward and the results are consistently delicious. It is pretty hard to mess this one up, which is a big relief during busy holiday cooking.
They are also a huge crowd pleaser. Kids love them, adults love them, and they look so pretty on a dessert platter. The combination of textures from the soft apples, the firm crust, and the crumbly topping is just fantastic. They are a welcome addition to any spread of Thanksgiving Desserts.
Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time, which is a huge bonus when you are juggling a dozen other dishes on Thanksgiving Day. This recipe is all about making your holiday celebration a little sweeter and a lot less stressful.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about what you will need. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, which makes this one of the more accessible Thanksgiving Desserts Recipes you can find. We will break it down into three parts: the crust, the filling, and that wonderful topping.
For The Crust
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
For The Filling
- 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
For The Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, melted
- Caramel, for serving
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, are you ready to get baking? Let’s walk through this together. Grab your apron, put on some music, and let’s make some seriously good Thanksgiving desserts.
Step 1: Get The Oven And Pan Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting your oven to the right temperature before you start is key for even baking. While it is heating up, prepare your nine by thirteen inch pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This will act as a sling to lift the bars out easily later. Then, give it a quick spritz with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix And Press The Crust
In a large bowl, it is time to make the crust. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. You want to continue beating them until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture. This usually takes a few minutes but it is worth it for a tender crust.
Next, add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix here. You are looking for a crumbly dough. Take this dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Try to push it about halfway up the sides too. This creates a nice little wall to hold in the apple filling.
Step 3: Pre Bake The Crust
Pop that pan into your preheated oven and bake the crust for about 20 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden around the edges. This step is important because it ensures the crust stays firm and does not get soggy from the apple filling. While the crust is baking, you can get started on the filling.
Step 4: Prepare The Apple Filling
In another large bowl, it is time for the star of the show: the apples. Combine your peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a little brightness and helps prevent the apples from browning too much. It is a neat little trick.
Then, add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Give everything a good toss until the apple slices are evenly coated in that wonderful, sugary spice mixture. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible. Once the crust is out of the oven, spread this apple mixture evenly over the top.
Step 5: Make The Crumble Topping
Let’s get that crunchy topping ready. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and salt. Now, pour in the melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to stir everything together until you get coarse clumps. Do not overwork it; you want those nice, crumbly bits.
Sprinkle this crumb topping all over the apples, making sure to cover them completely. This is the final layer before it goes back into the oven. It is looking good, right? This is one of my favorite parts of making Thanksgiving Baking Recipes.
Step 6: Bake And Cool
Place the pan back into the oven and bake for about an hour. You will know it is done when the top is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and soft. The aroma filling your house at this point is pure holiday magic. A truly delicious entry into the world of Thanksgiving Desserts.
Now for the hardest part: waiting. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This helps them set up so you can slice them cleanly. Once they have cooled a bit, you can slice them into squares, drizzle with caramel, and serve. They are wonderful warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How To Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, storing them is easy. You can keep the apple crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crumble topping will stay nice and crisp this way. I think they taste great the next day for breakfast with a cup of coffee.
If you need to store them for longer, they will last in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just be aware that the topping might soften a bit in the fridge. You can always pop a bar in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up before enjoying it.
For longer term storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Cut them into individual squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready for a treat, just thaw a square at room temperature.
Tips
Want to make these bars even better? I have a few little tips for you. When it comes to apples, using a mix of tart and sweet varieties gives you the best flavor. Granny Smith apples hold their shape well and provide a nice tartness, while something like a Honeycrisp or Fuji adds natural sweetness.
Feel free to customize the crumble topping. If you are not a fan of pecans, you can swap them for walnuts or even sliced almonds. For some extra texture and a wholesome flavor, try adding half a cup of rolled oats to the topping mixture. It adds a lovely chewiness.
To save time on Thanksgiving Day, you can definitely prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time. The crumble topping can be made and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. You can also make the entire dish a day in advance, let it cool completely, and then cover and store it at room temperature.
When serving, do not skip the caramel drizzle! It really adds a lovely finishing touch. For an even more decadent dessert experience, serve the warm bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. This is one of the most flexible Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, delicious, and totally satisfying recipe for Apple Crumble Bars. It is a fantastic alternative to the usual pies and a welcome addition to your holiday table. This recipe is all about bringing those warm, comforting flavors of fall into your home without a lot of fuss.
I really hope you give these bars a try. They are one of my go to Thanksgiving Desserts because they are reliable, delicious, and they make the whole house smell like a dream. Happy baking, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with great food and even better company.
FAQ
What Are The Best Apples For This Recipe?
A firm, crisp apple works best. I recommend using a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. This combination gives the filling a wonderful depth of flavor. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, as they can become mushy when baked.
Can I Make This Nut Free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe nut free, simply omit the pecans from the crumble topping. You can add a half cup of rolled oats or some raw sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch, or just leave them out entirely. The bars will still be delicious.
Do I Have To Peel The Apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for the best texture. The skins can become a bit tough during baking and might detract from the smooth, tender apple filling. However, if you do not mind the texture of the peel, you can certainly leave it on. It is a matter of personal preference.
Can I Use A Different Fruit?
Yes, this is a great base for other fruit crumble bars. Pears would be a lovely substitute in the fall. In the summer, you could try a mix of peaches and berries. You might need to adjust the sugar and baking time slightly depending on the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit you choose.
Apple Crumble Bars
Imagine a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a layer of tender, cinnamon spiced apples, and finished with a crunchy, nutty crumble. Drizzle a little caramel on top, and you have one of the best Thanksgiving dessert ideas that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, this one is a keeper.
Requirements
Ingredients
For The Crust
For The Filling
For The Topping
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting your oven to the right temperature before you start is key for even baking. While it is heating up, prepare your nine by thirteen inch pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This will act as a sling to lift the bars out easily later. Then, give it a quick spritz with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, it is time to make the crust. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. You want to continue beating them until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture. This usually takes a few minutes but it is worth it for a tender crust.
- Next, add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix here. You are looking for a crumbly dough. Take this dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Try to push it about halfway up the sides too. This creates a nice little wall to hold in the apple filling.
- Pop that pan into your preheated oven and bake the crust for about 20 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden around the edges. This step is important because it ensures the crust stays firm and does not get soggy from the apple filling. While the crust is baking, you can get started on the filling.
- In another large bowl, it is time for the star of the show: the apples. Combine your peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a little brightness and helps prevent the apples from browning too much. It is a neat little trick.
- Then, add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Give everything a good toss until the apple slices are evenly coated in that wonderful, sugary spice mixture. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible. Once the crust is out of the oven, spread this apple mixture evenly over the top.
- Let’s get that crunchy topping ready. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and salt. Now, pour in the melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to stir everything together until you get coarse clumps. Do not overwork it; you want those nice, crumbly bits.
- Sprinkle this crumb topping all over the apples, making sure to cover them completely. This is the final layer before it goes back into the oven. It is looking good, right? This is one of my favorite parts of making Thanksgiving Baking Recipes.
- Place the pan back into the oven and bake for about an hour. You will know it is done when the top is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and soft. The aroma filling your house at this point is pure holiday magic. A truly delicious entry into the world of Thanksgiving Desserts.
- Now for the hardest part: waiting. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This helps them set up so you can slice them cleanly. Once they have cooled a bit, you can slice them into squares, drizzle with caramel, and serve. They are wonderful warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
When it comes to apples, using a mix of tart and sweet varieties gives you the best flavor. Granny Smith apples hold their shape well and provide a nice tartness, while something like a Honeycrisp or Fuji adds natural sweetness.
Feel free to customize the crumble topping. If you are not a fan of pecans, you can swap them for walnuts or even sliced almonds. For some extra texture and a wholesome flavor, try adding half a cup of rolled oats to the topping mixture.
To save time on Thanksgiving Day, you can definitely prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time. The crumble topping can be made and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. You can also make the entire dish a day in advance, let it cool completely, and then cover and store it at room temperature.
When serving, do not skip the caramel drizzle! It really adds a lovely finishing touch. For an even more decadent dessert experience, serve the warm bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
