Irresistible Vegan Apple Pie Crumble Bars: Your Go-To Healthy Fall Treat

Discover the magic of homemade Apple Pie Crumble Bars featuring a delectable almond oat crust, a rich, stovetop apple pie filling, and a perfectly crisp crumble topping. These portable, plant-based delights are ideal for a cozy fall breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a wholesome dessert.

There’s something truly special about autumn, and for me, it always brings a craving for apples. I absolutely adore them! Perhaps it’s their convenient nature – unlike delicate summer berries that demand immediate attention, apples patiently wait on the counter, inviting me to ponder the myriad of delicious possibilities. They aren’t as temperamental as, say, attempting to leash train a spirited Aussie puppy, which some days feels effortless, and other days (most days, frankly) leaves me wondering who’s actually walking whom.

But, I digress! We’re here to celebrate apples, not talk about my adorable, yet challenging, canine companion. As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, one recipe consistently makes its way to the top of M’s (and my) favorite fall treats: a classic vegan apple crumble. It’s not just a comforting dessert; it’s also a fantastic way to utilize a bountiful harvest of apples, whether they come from the local grocery store, a vibrant farmers market, or a charming apple orchard outing.

This year, however, I decided to take M’s beloved apple crumble and give it a delightful, portable twist. Introducing these amazing Apple Pie Crumble Bars! They encapsulate all the cozy flavors of a traditional apple pie and a rustic crumble but in a convenient, handheld format.

These incredibly satisfying Apple Pie Crumble Bars are thoughtfully crafted with a robust almond oat crust and a matching crumble topping, encasing a wonderfully aromatic stovetop apple pie filling. They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring only a handful of wholesome ingredients. But the transformation from a spoonful-only crumble to neat, sliceable bars makes all the difference – they’re perfect for on-the-go enjoyment, making them concise, convenient, and utterly irresistible.

Slice these beauties into squares and savor them as the ultimate fall breakfast alongside your morning coffee, a wholesome afternoon snack, or a truly satisfying dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Pie Filling

The star of these Apple Pie Crumble Bars is undoubtedly the luscious apple filling. So flavorful and versatile, you might find yourself wanting to eat it straight from the pan – and I wouldn’t blame you! It’s perfectly delicious on its own, but make sure to save enough for layering into these incredible bars. This stovetop filling is surprisingly easy to whip up with just a few core ingredients:

• Tart apples (such as Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp)
• Unrefined coconut oil
• Pure maple syrup
• Ground cinnamon
• Cornstarch (for thickening)

That’s all you need for a perfectly sweet, subtly tart, and wonderfully spiced apple pie filling that will elevate these bars to a new level of deliciousness!

Crafting the Irresistible Stovetop Apple Pie Filling

Creating this delectable apple pie filling is the first step to your amazing crumble bars. It’s a simple process that yields incredible flavor and a delightful, gooey texture.

First, begin by preparing your apples. For the best flavor balance in this recipe, I highly recommend using a tart apple variety. Favorites like Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp work wonderfully, offering a crisp texture and a pleasant tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the maple syrup. Core and dice your apples; you can choose to peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for added fiber and a more rustic appearance. Both options work beautifully, so it’s entirely up to your personal preference!

Once diced, add the apples to a large skillet along with the unrefined coconut oil. Sauté them over medium heat for approximately 8-10 minutes. During this time, the apples will begin to soften, and your kitchen will fill with a wonderfully fragrant aroma, signaling that they are ready for the next step.

Next, in a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and filtered water to create a smooth slurry. This starchy mixture is key to achieving that signature thick, sticky, and “pie-like” consistency in your apple filling. Pour the slurry into the skillet with the softened apples and stir well to combine. You’ll notice the mixture beginning to thicken as it cooks.

Now, it’s time to infuse the filling with those classic apple pie flavors. Add the pure maple syrup, which provides a natural, unrefined sweetness, and the warming ground cinnamon. Continue to cook the mixture at a gentle simmer over low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the apples; they should become perfectly fork-tender and develop a beautiful, glossy, gooey glaze. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to perfection.

Once the apple filling reaches this desired consistency, remove it from the heat and set it aside. It needs a little time to cool while you prepare the equally important crust and crumble components of these delicious bars.

Crafting the Wholesome Crust & Crumble Topping

One of the brilliant aspects of this Apple Pie Crumble Bars recipe is the efficiency it offers: the crust and the crumble topping are made from the exact same mixture! This clever approach streamlines the baking process, meaning you only need to prepare one foundational dough for two distinct layers, rather than managing separate recipes for each component. It truly simplifies the creation of these delicious bars.

Here are the simple, wholesome ingredients you’ll need to create this versatile and flavorful crust and crumble:

• Bob’s Red Mill Superfine Almond Flour
• Bob’s Red Mill Organic Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• Natural almond butter
• Pure maple syrup

That’s right – just four ingredients combine to create a perfect texture and taste, forming the hearty base and the delightful crunchy topping that makes these bars so special!

Simple Steps to Prepare the Crust & Crumble

Once your apple filling is cooling, it’s time to prepare the sturdy, flavorful base and the delightful crumbly topping for your bars. The good news is that both are made from the same simple, wholesome mixture.

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan. To ensure easy removal and clean slices, generously line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the pan with coconut oil.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the Bob’s Red Mill Superfine Almond Flour, Bob’s Red Mill Organic Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats, natural almond butter, and pure maple syrup. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. This mixture will be quite thick and sticky, which is exactly the consistency you’re looking for to form a robust crust and a crumbly topping.

Now, take approximately two-thirds (2/3) of this mixed “dough” and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a compact, uniform crust layer. This will form the delicious foundation for your apple pie crumble bars.

Assembling Your Delectable Apple Pie Crumble Bars

With your crust pressed and your apple filling ready, it’s time to bring all the elements together to create these incredible Apple Pie Crumble Bars. The assembly is straightforward and just as rewarding as the baking itself.

Carefully spoon the prepared, slightly cooled apple filling over the base layer of the crust in the baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently spread the filling into an even layer, ensuring it covers the crust from edge to edge. Take care not to press down too hard on the crust as you spread the filling.

Finally, take the remaining one-third (1/3) of the crust and crumble mixture. Using your hands, gently break it apart and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the apple filling. Don’t worry about making it perfectly uniform; the beauty of a crumble topping lies in its rustic, uneven texture. I often like to leave a few strategic gaps where the vibrant apple filling can peek through, adding to the visual appeal.

Once assembled, place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the crumb topping turns a beautiful golden brown and feels crisp to the touch. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!

The most important step after baking is patience: allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to slice the bars. This cooling period is crucial, as it allows the filling to set properly and the crust and crumble to firm up, ensuring clean, perfectly shaped bars that won’t fall apart when cut.

Why Bob’s Red Mill Makes a Difference

In this recipe, the quality of your ingredients truly shines through, especially when it comes to the foundation of the crust and crumble. That’s why I consistently turn to Bob’s Red Mill products. Their Superfine Almond Flour and Gluten-Free Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats form the bulk of this recipe, providing an unparalleled base that is both vegan and gluten-free.

I am a huge advocate for using a combination of almond flour and oats in my vegan and gluten-free baking. This blend is magical, creating the ideal texture that’s difficult to achieve with single flours. In these Apple Pie Crumble Bars, the synergy of these two ingredients results in a crust and crumble that is hearty yet wonderfully moist, resisting the dryness that can sometimes plague gluten-free baked goods. When combined with creamy natural almond butter and naturally sweet maple syrup, this mix transforms into a rich, satisfying foundation.

This particular crust and crumble mixture boasts the perfect taste and texture, making it the ideal vehicle for that luscious, gooey apple pie filling. It holds up beautifully, offering a satisfying bite without being overly dense or crumbly. Knowing the consistent quality and reliability of Bob’s Red Mill products means I always have these pantry staples on hand for all my vegan and gluten-free cooking and baking adventures.

Flavorful Swaps and Smart Substitutions

While this recipe for Apple Pie Crumble Bars is perfected with the listed ingredients, it’s also incredibly forgiving and adaptable to your pantry or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

If almond butter isn’t your preference or isn’t available, you can easily substitute any other natural nut or seed butter. Cashew butter would offer a rich, creamy taste, while sunflower seed butter (SunButter) is an excellent choice for a nut-free alternative, maintaining the sticky consistency needed for the crust and crumble. Just ensure it’s a natural, drippy variety without added sugars or oils for the best results.

Similarly, if you’re not a fan of maple syrup, or simply don’t have it on hand, another liquid sweetener should work in its place. Agave nectar or brown rice syrup are good alternatives, offering similar sweetness and binding properties. Keep in mind that the flavor profile might shift slightly depending on the sweetener you choose.

For an extra layer of flavor in the apple filling, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a tiny amount of ground cloves alongside the cinnamon. A splash of vanilla extract can also deepen the aromatic notes of the apples. If you like a little tang, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in the apple filling can brighten the flavors beautifully.

Smart Notes on Meal Preparation

These Apple Pie Crumble Bars are not just a delicious treat; they are also an absolute dream for meal prep! Their convenient, portable format makes them an ideal candidate for preparing ahead of time, ensuring you have wholesome and satisfying options throughout your busy week.

I often dedicate a portion of my Sunday afternoon to baking a pan of these bars, especially when I have a surplus of apples from a recent grocery haul or orchard visit. M and I then enjoy them as a delightful and energizing breakfast option, or a quick pick-me-up snack, for the entire week ahead. It takes the guesswork out of what to eat when mornings are rushed.

Storing these bars is incredibly simple. Once they have completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’re looking for a longer-term storage solution, they also freeze exceptionally well for several months. To enjoy from frozen, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or gently warm them in the microwave or oven.

You might notice that the crumble topping becomes a bit softer or more moist after a few days in the refrigerator. This is perfectly normal, as it tends to absorb some of the natural moisture from the apple filling over time. Rest assured, this slight change in texture absolutely does not affect the delicious taste or quality of the bars whatsoever. They remain a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying treat!

Creative Ways to Serve Apple Pie Crumble Bars

The versatility of these Apple Pie Crumble Bars makes them a fantastic addition to any fall menu, adapting effortlessly to various meal times and occasions. Their make-ahead nature is a huge plus, making them perfect for easy workweek breakfasts when time is of the essence.

For a wholesome breakfast, these bars are fantastic on their own – simply grab and go on your way out the door. For a more complete meal, try pairing them with a dollop of your favorite plant-based yogurt or a side of fresh berries. The combination of creamy yogurt or tangy berries with the sweet apple bars creates a balanced and satisfying start to your day.

They also serve as an excellent quick and concise snack, providing a burst of natural energy and delicious flavor to tide you over between meals. And when it comes to dessert, these bars are a nutritious option that tastes every bit as decadent and comforting as a slice of traditional apple pie.

You can serve them cooled, which allows the layers to firm up beautifully, or reheat them gently before serving for a truly gooey and warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience. For the ultimate fall dessert indulgence, serve these bars warm with a generous scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, spiced apples and the cool, creamy ice cream is simply divine and an absolute showstopper!

Enjoy every delightful bite of these versatile and wholesome apple pie crumble bars!

More Wholesome Breakfast Bars to Love

• Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

• Fig Newton Breakfast Bars

• Blueberry Maple Baked Breakfast Bars

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

• Nut-Free SunButter Granola Bars

• PB&J Baked Breakfast Bars

I Want to Hear From You!

If you give this delightful Apple Pie Crumble Bars recipe a try, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback helps me create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Be sure to leave me a comment below, along with a rating and a review, sharing your thoughts and any creative twists you added.

Don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to showcase your wonderful creations. I love seeing what you’re baking in your kitchens!

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XO Lauren

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