These Paleo Apple Pie Crumb Bars are a delicious fall treat! Caramelized apples are layered on top of a sweet shortbread crust and then topped with an irresistible streusel topping. Gluten free, dairy free, and vegan!
After I made these Paleo Raspberry Crumb Bars I knew I wanted to do an apple version. Apples seem to kind of get looked over sometimes because everyone goes crazy for all things pumpkin. I agree pumpkin is great, but I also love apple desserts. These bars are no exception- they are amazing!
I bought some apple pie spice last year and absolutely love it! It's better than just plain cinnamon because it also has fenugreek, lemon peel, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. The combination of those spices is incredible and so warming. It's also found in the bulk section of seasonings at health food stores. Of course cinnamon can be used in it's place if you can't find it.
Making the pie bars
These bars are so simple to make. The shortbread crust is tried and true and always comes out perfect. Everything is quickly mixed in one bowl, ¾ of the mixture is pressed into a pan while the remaining ¼ is saved for the crumb top. While that is baking you make the apple filling. The apples are cooked briefly in a pan before being spread on top of the shortbread, then the crumb topping is added and it is baked again. So easy! Much easier than apple pie I might add 😉
The combination of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, the caramelized cinnamon apples, and the crumb topping with a slight crunch makes a perfect bite. These bars will easily be enjoyed by everyone- whether they are paleo or not.
These paleo apple pie crumb bars have 3 layer of goodness that I know you will love. Like most paleo baked goods- enjoy warm then store leftovers in the fridge. Here are some more apple desserts to try:
- Paleo Apple Pie Crumb Bread
- Gluten Free Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Paleo Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bars
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Paleo Apple Pie Crumb Bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Layer
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- ⅓ cup coconut oil
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
Apple Layer
- 2 cups diced apples about 2-3 depending on size
- 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice or cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon water if needed
Crumb Topping
- remaining shortbread mixture (¼ of total)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and line a 9 inch square pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, make the shortbread. Combine the almond flour, coconut flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt. Mix until well combined. Divide the dough into 4th's and use press ¾ into the bottom of the pan and save the remaining ¼ in a small bowl for the topping.
- Bake shortbread for 12-14 minutes- it should be lightly brown around the edges.
- While the shortbread bakes, make the apple layer. Place apples in a medium bowl and add apple pie spice, salt, and arrowroot powder. Toss to coat evenly. Dump into a small saucepan and add the maple syrup. Cook on medium heat, stirring the whole time, until thickened- about 5-7 minutes.
- Once shortbread is baked, remove and let cool 5 minutes. Then scoop the apple mixture onto the shortbread, spreading it as evenly as possible.
- Take remaining ¼ of the shortbread mixture and add the pecans and apple pie spice. Mix together and sprinkle evenly over the apple mixture. Press down slightly so it stays in place.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes. Enjoy warm and store all leftovers in the fridge.
Kristin says
I made these for a school function for the mom food table and they were a big hit! I had to make a few modifications because of food sensitivities- I used tapioca flour not coconut flour and used avocado oil instead of coconut oil, but everything else I kept the same. Even with the tapioca flour the consistency of the crust was spot-on. Thanks for a great recipe to add to my collection!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks so much for trying them, Kristin! I'm glad they were enjoyed! I'm glad to know they work with tapioca flour- thanks for sharing that info. You're welcome 🙂
Emilie says
Could you use honey instead of maple syrup?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Emilie- yes, that will work. Enjoy!
Sara says
My son is allergic to dairy so I was looking for a thanksgiving dessert for him other than pumpkin pie, these look amazing! So simple and easy I'll be making them tonight! Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Sara! I hope your son and everyone else enjoy them! 🙂
Amy says
Can we use something else in place of the arrowroot powder?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Amy- you can use tapioca flour. Hope you enjoy!
melissa says
What type of apples do you normally use? My normal "go to" apple for baking is Grammy Smith because they hold their shape well. But since they are quite tart I don't want to use them if you didn't, because then the sweetness ratio may be way off. Your info would be helpful for a successful bake, they look very delicious!
Kelly C. says
Hi, I do not have almond flour (and it's quite expensive!). Could I substitute it for the King Arthur Gluten free flour mix? The King Arthur's is mostly rice flour I believe. Also, I'm not super concerned about the gluten free part, would you recommend using regular flour over the gluten free flour mix? Thank you, I can't wait to try this recipe!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Kelly- I think regular flour would work fine for this. I hope you enjoy!
Elisa says
Yum! I just made this. It did fall apart. Maybe I didn't bake the crust long enough or something. Either way, great flavor! Thanks.
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Elisa! Thanks for trying my recipe. I'm sorry it feel apart. Did you cut it right away? I'm glad you still liked it 🙂
Caitlin says
These look great! Do they hold their shape well enough that it's easy to pick them up and eat them that way? I'd like to take them to a meeting but we won't have plates or silverware, just napkins. Do you think these would be too messy?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Caitlin- they hold their shape great. They would work great for a meeting. Napkins would be good, but plates and forks aren't necessary. Hope you enjoy!
Melissa says
Can you use tapioca starch in place or arrowroot powder?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Melissa- yes, that will work great!
Erica Winn says
I'm still drooling over these!! They look and sound so amazing! 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Erica!
irene says
I had to try this right away. I had Jonathan apples from my Apple picking expedition a few weeks back. The apple crumb bars were so delicious! My family has given them a 2 thumbs up!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying my recipe, Irene! I'm so glad your family likes them 🙂