Spiced Apple and Cranberry Crumble Bars with Maple-Pecan Crust

The first frost kissed the pumpkin patch this morning, a clear sign that autumn is truly upon us. The air is crisp, the leaves are ablaze with color, and the scent of woodsmoke hangs in the air. It’s the time of year when the orchard brims with ripe apples, their skins glistening red and gold in the afternoon sun. I remember as a child, the joy of picking my own apples with my family. The smell of damp earth mingled with the sweet aroma of fallen fruit, creating a sensory tapestry I cherish to this day. Later that evening, my grandmother would be peeling, coring, and chopping apples, ready for the week's worth of desserts. Now, as the seasons turn, I carry on the tradition, creating warm, comforting treats that fill our home with the spirit of harvest time. And these Spiced Apple and Cranberry Crumble Bars with Maple-Pecan Crust are a new family favorite!

Image of a warm apple pie cooling on a windowsill, with an autumn landscape visible outside. This image evokes the feeling of home baking and the seasonal atmosphere associated with apple desserts.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These crumble bars are more than just a delicious dessert; they’re a celebration of autumn's bounty. This recipe is perfect for using up the results of your apple picking adventures. It's also a fantastic way to showcase your homemade apple butter. The combination of tart cranberries, warm spices, and a nutty maple-pecan crust is simply irresistible.

Here’s what makes these bars special:

• Utilizes Seasonal Ingredients: The star ingredients – apples and cranberries – are at their peak in the fall. This is a true harvest meal.
• From-Scratch Goodness: Made with simple, whole ingredients, you'll feel good about serving these to your family.
• Adaptable: Easily adjust the spices to your liking. You can also use gluten-free flour for the crust and crumble topping.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The bars can be made a day or two in advance, making them ideal for gatherings.
• Perfect for Homesteading: Embrace the farm-to-table lifestyle by using freshly harvested ingredients from your own garden or local farms. These bars feel authentically cozy.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Spiced Apple and Cranberry Crumble Bars. I encourage you to use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible – the taste difference is remarkable!

For the Maple-Pecan Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• ½ cup finely ground pecans
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Apple-Cranberry Filling:

• 4 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¼ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your own batch of Spiced Apple and Cranberry Crumble Bars. Remember to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

1. Prepare the Maple-Pecan Crust:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground pecans, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the maple syrup until just combined. Don't overmix!

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a fork to prick the crust to prevent bubbles. This ensures an evenly baked base for your bars.

Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

2. Make the Apple-Cranberry Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, cranberries, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well to ensure all the apples and cranberries are coated with the spices and sugar.

3. Create the Crumble Topping:

In a separate bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.

4. Assemble and Bake:

Pour the apple-cranberry filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is essential for clean slices and to prevent the filling from being too runny.

A close-up of apple crumble muffins. This image shows a related baked good, demonstrating a similar texture and appeal to the described crumble bars.

Serving Suggestions

These Spiced Apple and Cranberry Crumble Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate them:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream (preferably from your own cow!).
• Drizzle with a bit of extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
• Pair with a cup of hot herbal tea made with foraged herbs from your garden, such as chamomile or lemon balm.
• Pack a slice in your lunchbox for a comforting midday treat.
• They also make a wonderful addition to a Thanksgiving or holiday dessert table.

No-Waste Tip

Don't let those apple peels go to waste! Use them to make apple cider vinegar. Simply combine the peels with water and sugar in a jar, and let it ferment for a few weeks. You'll have a delicious and healthy vinegar to use in salad dressings and other recipes. Alternatively, if you have some left over from cutting the butter, you could add this to the compost!

Closing

Autumn is a time for slowing down, reflecting on the bounty of the harvest, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Baking these Spiced Apple and Cranberry Crumble Bars is a way to connect with the season and create a warm, comforting experience for yourself and your loved ones. I encourage you to experiment with different apple varieties and spices to create your own unique version. Share your photos using #BetterHomesHarvests! Share with us, in the comments, other ways you use apples! Happy baking!