Healthy Apple Crumble Bars

This time of year, it's hard NOT to crave everything apple! My Healthy Apple Crisp is always a go-to, easy fall dessert, and if you haven't yet given it a try, let me this be your sign.

And while I won't stop making that anytime soon, I was recently inspired by some of my other favorite fruity recipes like my Cranberry Crumble Bars and Cherry Blueberry Crumble Bars to mix things up a bit.

These Healthy Apple Crumble Bars are super simple to make, plus they also use wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients that do the tastebuds AND body some good.

You'll whip up the crust and crumble topping in the same batch with almond flour, rolled oats, walnuts, coconut oil, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt. It has the perfect combination of crunch and sweetness that any good crumble needs!

As for the apple filling, I personally love using honeycrisp, though you can choose whichever variety you enjoy best. Sauté them up with a little water, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and cornstarch (or arrowroot starch) to help the mixture thicken.

Add this on top of your crust, and top it off with the rest of your crumble mixture. Bake it off before allowing to cool completely (this is essential to keep them from falling apart when you cut them into bars)!

And while the simple icing I finished these off with is completely optional, I really do think it took these to a whole new level. Just mix powdered sugar (I used the Lakanto monkfruit version) with milk, drizzle over your bars, and voilà!

These would be the perfect thing to bring to your next fall get-together, holiday celebrations, and more😊. 

• 2 cups almond flour
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or sub for cinnamon)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt

Apple Filling

• 3 cups diced apples (I use and love honeycrisp)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder

Icing (optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar (I used the Lakanto monkfruit version) 
• 1-3 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 (or similar) baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.

2. To a large bowl, add almond flour, oats, walnuts, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix to combine.

3. Take 2/3 of the crust/crumble mixture and press into the bottom of your lined baking pan. Use your fingers to create an even layer.

4. Bake for 15 minutes. While crust is baking, make the filling.

5. Add all of the filling ingredients to a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat for about 15-20 minutes, until apples have softened and mixture has thickened. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

6. Pour apple mixture over crust, and spread into an even layer.