Apple Crumb Bars

These Apple Crumb Bars have all the flavors of a homemade apple pie but are so much easier to make! Filled with a gooey caramel apple pie filling topped with a buttery grain-free shortbread crumble topping.  Plus they are also completely gluten-free, grain free and refined-sugar free and make the perfect healthy snack or dessert for summer and fall!

Healthy Apple Crumb Bars

Love apple pie but not in the mood to make a whole pie crust from scratch? These paleo apple crumb bars are our favorite dessert for fall! They have all the warm and cozy autumn flavors of a delicious homemade apple pie without the hassle of rolling out pie dough!

Plus, they are made with better for you whole ingredients and are completely grain-free, gluten-free, refined-sugar free and paleo-friendly.

And if you’re not an apple fan or don’t want to wait until October or November for apple season, you can also try our raspberry crumb bars, blueberry crumb bars, cherry pie bars, peach bars or pear bars.

Why we love this vegan apple crumb bar recipe:

These Apple Crumble Bars are incredibly irresistible and make the perfect healthy dessert. Not only are these easily customize-able, but the best part is that they are made from scratch by using whatever type of summer fruit you have on hand. As soon as apples are in season, we cannot resist buying them by the boat load to make all sorts of apple streusel bars. Even my husband says he would love to have these all year long!

All you need are just a few simple pantry ingredients. The portable size also make them perfect to bring along to your next Memorial Day barbecue, Fourth of July, Labour Day potluck or any summer or fall party.

Ingredients you need for healthy apple crumble bars:

For the gluten-free and paleo crumb mixture:

• Almond Flour: You can use superfine blanched almond flour or almond meal. Almond flour is the main nut flour providing most of the bulk. Measure properly using the spoon and level method.
• sliced almonds and coconut flakes – classic fruit bars use rolled oats in their crumble topping but since we are trying to keep this grain free, we use a combination of nuts and coconut flakes to give these that oatmeal texture. You can either chop them or pulse them a few times in a food processor until the texture resembles oats. Our favorite ones are from Bob’s Red Mill. If you’re not grain-free, feel free to use gluten free old fashioned rolled oats instead.
• coconut sugar and maple syrup – we use a combination of both of these unrefined sweeteners to make them extra flavourful and delicious. You can also sub with any other liquid sweetener or brown sugar substitute if you don’t have these on hand.
• baking powder – the leavener we use to help the crust rise slightly
• salt – to balance out the sweetness and add flavor
• lemon zest
• for a vegan fruit crisp use softened coconut oil (you want the texture like softened butter – use refined if you prefer it without the coconut flavor) or use ghee or butter if not vegan

For The Gooey Apple Filling

• fresh apples: we like to use some a mix of sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala along with some tart apples like Granny Smith. Be sure to cut them into small chunks
• maple syrup: to add sweetness but you can also sub with coconut sugar, or Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener for low carb bars
• arrowroot or tapioca starch (sub with xanthan gum or flaxseed meal for gluten free apple squares)
• apple pie spice – if you don’t have apple pie spice, you can make your own by mixing: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon with 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/16 teaspoon ground allspice
• vanilla extract

OPTIONAL:

Paleo caramel sauce – for topping

How to Make Apple Crumb Bars

This apple crumb bar recipe is easy to customize and makes the perfect dessert for barbecues, picnics and to enjoy any time that apple pie craving hits.

1. PREHEAT OVEN: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang.
2. MAKE THE APPLE PIE FILLING:: In a medium pot over medium heat, add apples, apple pie spice, maple syrup, arrowroot & vanilla & bring to a boil. Reduce heat & cook for 3-5 minutes, or until mixture is thickened and apples are slightly softened. Chill in fridge until ready to use.
3. MAKE THE SHORTBREAD CRUST AND CRUMBLE TOPPING: In a large mixing bowl, combine, flours, sweeteners, vanilla, salt & baking soda. Stir in chopped almonds & coconut flakes.
4. ADD FRUIT FILLNG: Spread fruit mixture evenly over crust. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over berry layer.
5. BAKE in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
6. OPTIONAL: Drizzle paleo caramel sauce for topping.

How To Store The Leftovers

To store these apple crumble bars, simply transfer them to a reusable storage container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave and coat with your favorite nut butter or just allow them to come to room temperature.

Can I freeze these apple crumb bars?

Yes! These apple bars are perfectly freezer-friendly. Arrange the apple crumb bars in a single layer inside a reusable storage container or bag. Store these apple squares in the freezer for up to six months. When ready to eat, allow the apple bars to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

More apple recipes:

Apple Maple Baked Oatmeal with Berries

Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Caramel Apple Streusel French Toast Bake

More fruit recipes:

Peach Crisp

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp,

5 from 1 vote

Print

Apple Pie Bars

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

47 mins

Total Time

1 hr 7 mins

 

These Apple Pie Bars are filled with a goey caramel apple pie filling and topped with a buttery grain-free shortbread crumble topping. They have all the flavors of a homemade apple pie but are so much easier to make! Plus they are also completely gluten-free, grain free and refined-sugar free and make the perfect healthy snack or dessert for summer and fall!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple dessert recipes, apple pie bars, paleo apple pie bars

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 227 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

FOR THE CRUST AND TOPPING:

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds , roughly chopped OR pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats. If you're not grain-free, you can also just use gluten-free quick oats or rolled oats.
• 1/4 cup coconut flakes , roughly chopped OR pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats. If you're not grain-free, you can also just use gluten-free quick oats or rolled oats.
• 1 2/3 cups almond flour , you can also sub with gluten-free oat flour or gluten-free 1-1 baking flour.
• 2 tbs arrowroot or tapioca flour
• 1/4 cup softened refined or butter flavored coconut oil , may also sub with vegan butter, ghee or unsalted butter if not dairy-free
• 1/4 cup maple syrup , (may sub with allulose, sugar-free maple syrup or other liquid sweetener of choice)
• 2 Tbs coconut sugar , (may also sub brown sugar or another brown sugar substitute such as Swerve or golden monk fruit sweetener)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/3 tsp baking soda

FOR THE FILLING:

• 3 apples , chopped (we like to use a mix of Honeycrisp, Gala and Granny Smith)
• 3 Tbsps maple syrup , (may sub other liquid sweetener)
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1 Tbs arrowroot OR tapioca flour
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

OPTIONAL:

• paleo caramel sauce , for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang.

2. Make the filling:

   In a medium pot over medium heat, add apples, apple pie spice, maple syrup, arrowroot & vanilla & bring to a boil. Reduce heat & cook for 3-5 minutes, or until mixture is thickened and apples are slightly softened. Chill in fridge until ready to use.

3. Make the crust and topping:

   Chop your coconut flakes or sliced almond until they resemble the texture of quick oats or alternatively, you can add them to the bowl of a food processor and pulse 1-2 times, until still crumbly. 

   Transfer to a large bowl and whisk in the almond flour, sugars, baking powder and salt. With a fork, pastry cutter, or using your clean hands, cut butter into flour mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Press a little more than half of the crust mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven & allow to cool for 5 minutes.

5. Spread fruit mixture evenly over crust. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over berry layer.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares or enjoy straight. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

   OPTIONAL: Drizzle paleo caramel sauce for topping.

Recipe Notes

How to store:

Store your apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for several days.

How to freeze:

To freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Apple Pie Bars

Amount Per Serving (1 bar (1/12 recipe))

Calories 227 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Carbohydrates 22g7%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 14g16%

Protein 4g8%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

1. 
   5 from 1 vote

   

   Print

   Cherry Pie Bars

   Prep Time

   15 mins

   Cook Time

   37 mins

   Total Time

   50 mins

    

   These Cherry Pie Bars are bursting with fruity goodness and wholesome ingredients featuring fresh mixed berries, juicy cherries, and a nourishing crumble topping. They make a delightful and healthy treat for summer birthday celebrations or any occasion. 

   Course: Dessert

   Cuisine: American

   Keyword: cherry bars, cherry dessert, cherry pie, cherry pie bars, gluten free bars, grain-free bars, paleo

   Servings: 12 bars

   Calories: 169 kcal

   Author: Kelly

   Ingredients

   FOR THE CRUST AND TOPPING:

   • 1/4 cup coconut flakes , roughly chopped OR pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats - you can also sub with rolled oats or quick oats if not grain-free
   • 1/4 cup sliced almonds , roughly chopped OR pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats - you can also sub with rolled oats or quick oats if not grain-free
   • 1 2/3 cups superfine blanched almond flour , you can also sub with gluten-free fine oat flour if not grain-free (gluten-free (or regular) all purpose flour may work too but we have not tested it so the amount will vary)
   • 2 tbs arrowroot flour / starch or tapioca flour . (omit if using all purpose flour)
   • 1/4 cup softened refined or butter flavored coconut oil , you can also sub with vegan butter, ghee or unsalted butter if not dairy-free
   • 1/4 cup maple syrup , you can also sub with honey or preferred liquid sweetener of choice, such as Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup for lower sugar option
   • 2 Tbs coconut sugar , you can also sub with brown sugar or other brown sugar substitute such as Lakanto or Swerve for lower sugar option
   • 1 tsp vanilla
   • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
   • 1/3 tsp baking soda

   FOR THE FILLING:

   • 2 1/2 cups fresh mixed berries or frozen , if using frozen be sure to thaw, drain & pat dry first
   • 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries roughly chopped
   • 3 Tbsps maple syrup , you can also sub with honey or preferred liquid sweetener of choice, such as Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup for lower sugar option
   • 1 Tbs arrowroot flour / starch OR tapioca flour corn starch works too
   • 1/2 tsp lemon juice

   Instructions

   1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang.

   2. Make the filling: In a medium pot over medium heat, add fruit, maple syrup, arrowroot & lemon juice & bring to a boil, while smashing & stirring with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat & cook for 3-5 minutes, or until mixture is thickened. Chill in fridge until ready to use.

   3. Make the crust and topping:

      In a large mixing bowl, combine, flours, sweeteners, vanilla, salt & baking soda. Stir in chopped almonds & coconut flakes. Press a little more than half of the crust mixture into prepared pan.

      Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven & allow to cool for 5 minutes.Spread fruit mixture evenly over crust.

      Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over berry layer.Bake in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown.

      Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares or enjoy straight. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

   Recipe Notes

   **Optional - adding 1/4 cup chopped pecans, walnuts or sliced almonds to the crust would add a nice crunch if desired

   Nutrition Facts

   Cherry Pie Bars

   Amount Per Serving (1 bar)

   Calories 169 Calories from Fat 99

   % Daily Value*

   Fat 11g17%

   Carbohydrates 16g5%

   Fiber 3g12%

   Sugar 10g11%

   Protein 3g6%

   * Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.