Paleo Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping
Paleo Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping invite you to enjoy autumn flavors in a delightful bar form. These treats boast a tender, crumbly base layered with sweet, spiced apples, all topped with a delicious crumble. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting dessert or a snack to accompany your afternoon tea, these bars are an embodiment of cozy fall vibes. Perfectly portable and easy to share, they pleasantly remind you of traditional apple pie but in a much simpler format.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy weekend walk through my local farmer’s market, where the sight of freshly harvested apples sparked a craving I couldn’t ignore. Balancing health and indulgence doesn’t have to be complicated, and these Paleo Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping are proof. They fit right into any dessert table, satisfying both those on a paleo diet and anyone looking for a lighter dessert. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: These bars come together in no time, making them perfect for busy weekdays or unexpected guests.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and rich coconut creates a harmony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: They look stunning, with layers of crumble and apple peeking through, turning any gathering into a celebration.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or choose them as a delightful dessert after dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: With no gluten or dairy, these bars are friendly for various dietary needs, satisfying almost everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups blanched almond flour: A great paleo alternative to regular flour, offering a nutty flavor and gluten-free base.
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour or arrowroot starch: This helps bind the bars together and adds a light texture; arrowroot is a fantastic substitute if needed.
- 1/2 cup maple sugar or coconut sugar: Choose maple sugar for a rich, earthy sweetness or coconut sugar for a more caramel-like taste; both fit perfectly here.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; feel free to use fresh ground for a more intense flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, rounding out the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup refined coconut oil softened but not melted: Provides moisture and a subtle coconut flavor; be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1 large egg yolk: This gives structure to the bars; you can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A must-have for uplifting the overall flavor profile.
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith), peeled and diced: Use a mix for sweetness and tang, creating a balanced filling.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps to soften the apples during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning; fresh is best.
- 1/4 cup maple sugar or coconut sugar: Added to the filling for extra sweetness and to enhance the caramelization.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: For the apple filling, this adds an aromatic warmth that’s indispensable in any apple dessert.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A pinch of this spice elevates the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness in the filling.
- 1 tablespoon tapioca flour or arrowroot starch: Used to thicken the filling slightly; both options work wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: For enhancing that sweet, inviting aroma in the filling.
- 2/3 cup full-fat coconut cream: Creates a rich, creamy drizzle; ensure it’s well-mixed for best results.
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar: This will help sweeten the coconut cream for a delightful caramel-like sauce.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A repeat ingredient for cohesiveness and flavor.
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness of the drizzle perfectly.
How to Make Paleo Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping
- Preheat the oven: To 350°F, and prepare an 8 x 8-inch metal baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing for an overhang to lift the bars once cooled.
- Mix the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, tapioca flour, maple sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt. Next, incorporate the softened coconut oil, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well until the dough is moist and crumbly.
- Reserve some dough: Separate about 1 generous cup of the mixture, set it aside, and chill it in the fridge for later use as the crumble topping.
- Press the crust: Firmly and evenly press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure to compact it well, especially in the corners for an even bake.
- Bake the crust: Place it in the oven for 10–12 minutes, until it’s set and just starting to turn golden around the edges. After, allow it to cool slightly before adding the apple filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium saucepan, add the diced apples and toss them with maple sugar, tapioca flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until evenly coated. Introduce the water and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Cook the apples: Over medium heat, cook the apples for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften while keeping their shape. You want the juices to thicken into a glossy coating.
- Add vanilla: Once removed from the heat, stir in the vanilla and allow the filling to cool slightly before layering.
- Spread the filling: Carefully spread the warm apple filling over the partially baked crust, distributing it evenly.
- Add crumble: Crumble the remaining dough over the apple filling with your fingers, leaving some apple filling visible for a rustic look.
- Final bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 27–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling joyfully around the edges.
- Cool completely: Once baked, place the pan on a wire rack, letting the bars cool completely. If you want cleaner slices, refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before lifting and cutting into squares.
- Make the drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine the coconut cream and coconut sugar over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently for about 10–15 minutes until thickened into a caramel-like sauce.
- Finish the drizzle: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt, allowing it to cool slightly before drizzling over the bars before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If you’d like, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy them chilled directly from the fridge. Note that refrigeration can slightly affect texture, but a quick heat will revive the warmth and flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the crust; this keeps it crumbly and flaky.
- For extra flavor, feel free to toss in chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple mixture.
- Give the apples time to cool slightly before layering to maximize the structural integrity of the bars.
- If your crumble is too crumbly, try adding a splash of water or another egg yolk to bind it further.
- Slice the bars with a sharp knife for clean edges, especially after chilling them.
Whisking together flavors and textures, these Paleo Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping bring the taste of fall right to your kitchen. You can adapt the recipe to make it uniquely yours—experiment with different apples or spices you love. The joy of baking lies in its creativity, so don’t hesitate to dive in and make this recipe your new favorite. Enjoy every last crumb!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the egg yolk with a flax egg made from 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 2.5 tablespoons of water, mixed and set aside to thicken for about 5 minutes.
How can I make the apple filling sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter apple filling, consider increasing the maple sugar or coconut sugar to 1/3 cup. Alternatively, using sweeter apple varieties will also enhance the natural sweetness.
Can I freeze these bars?
Definitely! To freeze, ensure the bars are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for batch cooking!
What if I don’t have almond flour?
If you don’t have almond flour on hand, you could use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Paleo Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Paleo
Description
These Paleo Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping are a wholesome treat packed with flavor. With easy prep and delightful ingredients like almond flour and juicy apples, they serve as a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour or arrowroot starch
- 1/2 cup maple sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup refined coconut oil softened but not melted
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 medium apples peeled and diced (Honeycrisp, pink lady or Granny Smith, about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup maple sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon tapioca flour or arrowroot starch
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup full-fat coconut cream
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8 x 8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine blanched almond flour, tapioca flour, maple sugar, cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Add softened coconut oil, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Work the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a moist, crumbly dough is formed. It should hold together when squeezed.
- Reserve 1 generous cup of the mixture for the topping and chill until needed.
- Firmly press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring it's compact, especially at the edges and corners.
- Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes until set and lightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
Notes
For added sweetness, consider using honeycrisp or pink lady apples.
Chilling the reserved crumble topping helps achieve a better texture when baked.
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
