ππ° Apple Crumb Bars ππ°
Apple Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert made with layers of buttery shortbread crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping. These bars are a perfect combination of tart apples, warm spices, and a buttery crumbly texture, making them a favorite treat for fall and beyond.
π History:
The exact origin of Apple Crumb Bars is not well-documented, but they are part of the broader tradition of fruit bars and dessert squares. Apple-based desserts have been enjoyed for centuries, with recipes for apple pies and pastries dating back to medieval Europe. The concept of combining apples with a crumbly topping likely evolved over time to create the delicious Apple Crumb Bars we know today.
π₯ Components:
Here are the main components of Apple Crumb Bars:
- Shortbread Crust: This forms the base and provides a buttery foundation for the bars.
- Apple Filling: Made from sliced or diced apples, sugar, spices (usually cinnamon and nutmeg), and sometimes a thickening agent like cornstarch to bind the filling.
- Crumb Topping: A mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes oats or nuts that adds a delightful crumbly texture to the bars.
π©βπ³ Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Apple Crumb Bars:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 4-5 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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In a large bowl, mix together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the diced cold butter and egg to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a crust.
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In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
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Spread the apple mixture over the crust in the pan.
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Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
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Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
π Time Needed:
Preparation time for Apple Crumb Bars typically takes around 20-30 minutes, and baking time is approximately 45-50 minutes. So, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
Enjoy these ππ° Apple Crumb Bars ππ° as a delightful treat with a cup of coffee or as a dessert at any time of the year!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Crumb Bars:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 115mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 2g
Health Information:
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Moderation: Apple Crumb Bars are a delicious treat, but they are relatively high in sugar and fat. Enjoy them in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.
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Fiber: The dietary fiber in the apples used in this recipe provides some digestive benefits.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Apples contain vitamin C, while the butter in the recipe provides fat-soluble vitamins. However, the overall nutritional value may be limited due to the added sugar and refined flour.
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Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overindulging in these calorie-dense bars.
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Variations: Consider making healthier variations by using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or incorporating oats for added fiber and nutrients.
Remember that while Apple Crumb Bars can be a tasty treat, they are not a health food. It’s essential to balance indulgent desserts with a generally healthy diet to meet your nutritional needs.
