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    Home » COOKIES, BROWNIES, AND BARS

    Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars

    Published: Sep 9, 2020 · Modified: Apr 12, 2022 by Rebecca Taig · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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     Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars! These three-layered apple bars are made with a shortbread crust, layered with caramelized cinnamon maple apples, topped with a crunchy pecan crumble. 

    A top down view of nine gluten-free apple crumble bars.

    Growing up I have the fondest memories of making apple pie with grandmother. She would always make a regular-sized apple pie, and I would use the leftover crust and filling to make a mini version. Apple pie is a classic all American dessert, served at many family gatherings. Though delicious, apple pie does take a bit of time and patience to make. Which is why this recipe is perfect because you get all of the apple pie flavors without having to make a tedious pie crust. Simple, straight forwarded ingredients, with the taste of maple caramelized apples that melt in your mouth. These Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars will become a forever Fall favorite!

    Jump to:
    • 3 Layers to Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars
    • The BEST Apples
    • How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars
    • Tips for Making the BEST Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars
    • For More Tasty Fall Recipes:
    • Recipe
    Close up shot of gluten-free apple crumble bars. A crumble top and large chunks of apple can be seen throughout the bar.

    3 Layers to Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars

    These bars are made with 3 simple layers:

    • Shortbread Crust: This paleo shortbread crust is made with both almond and coconut flour, flavored with real maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients in one large bowl, and reserve a quarter of the crust for the crumble topping. No chilling or rolling of the dough is required. This is a huge time saver!
    • Apple Layer: Fresh juicy apples caramelized with maple syrup and coconut sugar.
    • Pecan Crumble Topping: A quarter of the reserved crust, a few tablespoons of candied pecans for crunch and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor. No separate streusel recipe is needed!
    Close up of gluten-free apple crumble bar layers. The background is out of focus to emphasis the front bar.

    The BEST Apples

    You can use almost any type of apple in this recipe, but these are my favorites:

    • Honey crisp
    • Pink Lady
    • Fuji
    • Granny Smith
    • Gala
    Three apple crumble bars stacked on top of each other. Large chunks of apples are layered in the bar.

    How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars

    1. Mix all the shortbread ingredients in a medium-size bowl.
    2. Reserve a quarter of the dough for the crumble topping.
    3. Press down the remaining shortbread crust mixture into a well-greased 9x9 inch pan.
    4. Bake the crust for 12- 14 minutes, or until golden.
    5. Make the apple filling.
    6. Pour the apple filling evenly over the top of the baked shortbread crust.
    7. Sprinkle the pecan crumble mixture over the top of the apples, gently pressing down to secure.
    8. Bake for 20-25  minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
    9. Chill the bars. Allow them to cool for at least 20 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours (or overnight).
    10. Cut the bars into 16 squares and serve immediately.
    Gluten-free apple crumble bars a top down view.

    Tips for Making the BEST Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars

    • Do not underbake the shortbread layer, as it provides support for the filling. I find 12-14 minutes tends to be the perfect amount of time.
    • Chill the bars, preferably overnight for best results.
    • For those without dairy allergies, you can use butter or ghee in place of the coconut oil.
    • You can use cornstarch in place of the arrowroot powder.
    • Brown sugar for coconut sugar for non-paleo versions.
    • Candid pecans provide the best flavor!
    • Serve straight from the refrigerator.
    gluten-free apple crumble bars top down with cinnamon sticks and fresh walnuts surrounding the bars.

    For More Tasty Fall Recipes:

    • Gluten-Free White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
    • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Rosemary Biscuits and Gravy
    • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie {Dairy-Free}

    Recipe

    A spread of gluten-free apple crumble bars. Large chunks of baked apples and a crumble top adjourn each bar.

    Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars

    Recipe Author : Rebecca Taig
    Diet :Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan
    Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars! These three-layered apple bars are made with a shortbread crust, layered with cinnamon maple apples, topped with a crunchy pecan crumble. 
    4.67 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Servings 16 bars
    Calories 202 kcal
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    Ingredients
      

    Shortbread Crust

    • 2 cups almond flour
    • 2 tablespoon coconut flour
    • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil, ghee or butter
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Apple Filling

    • 3 cups diced apples 2 large apples
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
    • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil, ghee or butter
    • 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt

    Crumble Topping

    • ¼ remaining shortbread mixture
    • 4 tablespoon chopped candied pecans
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease and line a 9x9 inch square pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl mix all of the shortbread ingredients: almond flour, coconut flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla and salt.
    • Reserve ¼ of the mixture for the crumble topping. Take the remaining mixture and gently press it down in the lined square pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly brown around the edges. Once the crust is fully cooked, remove from the oven and set aside.
    • While the shortbread is cooling start the apple layer. Dice the 2 large apples into small cubes and transfer to a large bowl. Add the remaining maple syrup, melted coconut oil, arrowroot powder, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture until the apples are evenly coated.
    • Pour the apple mixture into a large saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of water. Cook on medium heat, while continuing to stir, until sauce begins to thicken. Apples will begin to caramelize at about 5-7 minutes.
    • Once the apples have caramelized turn off the heat and carefully pour the apple mixture over the top of the shortbread crust, spreading evenly.
    • Take the reserved shortbread dough and toss in the chopped pecans and cinnamon, creating a crumb-like mixture. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the caramelized apples, then gently press down with a fork to secure.
    • Return the pan to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown.
    • Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes. Then transfer the bars to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, (or overnight).
    • Cut the bars into 16 squares, serve immediately.
    • Bars can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1barCalories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 75mgPotassium: 51mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 13IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg
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