Chai Apple Crumble Bars
As days get shorter and nights get chillier, I always crave the warmth of chai spices. And what better pairing than seasonal apples? With a buttery crust topped with spiced apples and a sweet streusel crumble, these Chai Apple Crumble Bars are a great way to fill those cravings with less hassle than making a pie. This beginner friendly recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Prepare the Apple Filling
Make the apple filling by peeling and chopping 4-5 medium apples into small cubes. Then mix with lemon juice, brown sugar, all purpose flour, and chai spices*.
*You can use either a pre-made chai spice blend or make your own. To make your own, mix together the following ground spices: 3 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp cardamom, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp cloves, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg. You will have some of the spice blend left over after making this recipe - perfect to use in a latte!
Prepare the Crust & Crumble Mixture
One thing that makes this recipe so easy is that the crust and the crumble topping of these bars use the same base mixture. To prepare it, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter, forks, or your hands until you have about pea-sized crumbs.
Layer the Bars
Line a 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang the edge for easy removal. Then construct the crumble bars as follows (see the images below for reference):
Transfer approximately 2/3 of the crust/crumble mixture to the prepared baking pan and press into a solid, even layer.
Spread the apples and any accumulated liquid over the crust.
Add 1/2 tsp of chai spice blend to the remaining crust/crumble mixture and crumble it over the apples, breaking it up into pieces with your hands.
Bake the Bars
Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until the crumble topping is golden brown like in the image below. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing and slicing.
Store leftover crumble bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Chai Apple Crumble Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cups plus 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 tsp chai spice blend (see notes)
- 4 medium apples, chopped into small cubes
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 tsp chai spice blend
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang the edge for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt for the crust and crumble. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter, forks, or your hands until you have about pea-sized crumbs.
- Transfer approximately 2/3 of the crust/crumble mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press into a solid, even layer.
- Prepare the apple layer by mixing together the cubed apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, flour, and chai spices. Even spread the apples over the crust layer.
- Mix the 1/2 tsp of chai spice to the remaining crust/crumble mixture. Crumble over the top of the apples, using your hands to break it up into pieces if needed.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until the crumble topping is golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing and slicing.
Notes
- Storage Instructions: Store leftover crumble bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Chai Spice Blend: You can use either a pre-made chai spice blend or make your own. To make your own, mix together the following ground spices: 3 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp cardamom, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp cloves, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg. You will have extra.
