Welcome the freshness of spring with these delightful Apple Almond Crumble Bars, where the rustic charm of apple crumble meets the convenience of a bar. Crafted with care, these bars are not only a treat to the palate but also a nod to healthful indulgence. Featuring a blend of almond and buckwheat flours, and sweetened with the natural goodness of agave syrup and applesauce, these bars are gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, and free from refined sugars. Perfectly crumbly yet meltingly tender, they’re best enjoyed cold, making them an ideal snack for the warmer days of spring.
Why You’ll Love This:
These Apple Almond Crumble Bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, combined with a delightful texture that crumbles and melts in your mouth. The use of almond and buckwheat flours not only makes them suitable for those following a gluten-free diet but also adds a depth of flavor that is wonderfully complemented by the apple and spice filling. Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack option or simply a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of spring, these crumble bars are sure to impress.
Perfect Occasion:
These crumble bars are perfect for spring picnics, Easter gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a light yet satisfying treat. Serve them as a dessert at your next family dinner, or pack them for a sweet snack on a nature hike. They’re also an excellent choice for a thoughtful homemade gift, wrapped up with a bow for a friend who appreciates the finer, healthier things in life.
Decoration Tips:
To enhance the visual appeal of these crumble bars, consider a light drizzle of nut butter and a sprinkle of chopped almonds and cinnamon on top before baking. This not only adds to their aesthetic but also introduces an extra layer of flavor and texture. Serve each bar on a small plate with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream or a side of fresh fruit for a truly picturesque springtime dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Crust & Crumble:
- 200g almond flour
- 80g buckwheat flour (or substitute with nut flour if using oat flour)
- 50ml coconut oil
- 70g applesauce
- 20g nut butter
- 30g agave syrup (or another liquid sweetener)
- 1 tsp each of cinnamon and salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, finely chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- A blend of spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom powder, and nutmeg)
- 55g applesauce (optional, for a sweeter filling)
- 10g cornstarch
- A dash of vanilla extract and salt
Toppings:
- Nut butter
- Chopped almonds
- Cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Line a baking dish with parchment for easy removal.
- Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, spices, cornstarch, vanilla, salt, and applesauce (if using). Let simmer until slightly thickened.
- For the crust and crumble, mix all specified ingredients until you achieve a soft, crumbly dough. Reserve one-third for the topping.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared dish as the base. Add the apple mixture evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle the reserved dough on top as a crumble. Gently press down to secure.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden. Cool completely before slicing, ideally chilling for 4 hours, with the option to refrigerate halfway through cooling.
Embrace the beauty of spring with each bite of these Apple Almond Crumble Bars, a perfect blend of healthfulness and indulgence. Enjoy!
