Why Make This Recipe
Do you ever crave that perfect mix of comfort and indulgence? That feeling of a warm, spiced apple treat, or a rich, fudgy brownie? This recipe brings both together. You’ll love these Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Streusel Topping because they offer:
- A Perfect Combination: Enjoy the classic tastes of apple pie and fudgy brownies in one delicious bar.
- Great Textures: You get soft, spiced apples, a rich and chewy brownie, and a buttery, crumbly streusel all in one bite.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are a hit at parties, family gatherings, or just for a special weeknight treat.
- Easy to Make, Impressive to Serve: They taste fancy but are simple to prepare.
- Holiday Favorite: These are perfect for fall events or any time you want a festive dessert.
How to Make Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Streusel Topping
Making these bars involves three main parts: preparing the apple layer, making the brownie batter, and creating the streusel topping. You will then layer all three and bake them to perfection. Be sure to follow the steps carefully for the best results.
Ingredients of : Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Streusel Topping
- #### For the Apple Pie Layer
- 3 Granny Smith apples (or a mix of your favorite baking apples)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional)
- 3 teaspoons Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- #### For the Brownie Layer
- 3/4 cup Unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup Light brown sugar, packed
- 3 Large eggs
- 3 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 cup Chocolate chips (optional)
- #### For the Streusel Topping
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Light brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup Cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Directions of : Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Streusel Topping
- #### Prepare the Apple Pie Layer
- Peel, core, and dice the apples.
- Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and flour. Set aside.
- #### Make the Brownie Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Melt butter.
- Whisk in granulated sugar and light brown sugar until combined.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Fold in dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, salt) until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips (if using).
- #### Assemble the Bars
- Spread brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Layer the spiced apples over the brownie batter.
- #### Prepare the Streusel Topping
- Combine dry streusel ingredients (flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon) in a bowl.
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle streusel evenly over the apple layer.
- #### Bake and Cool
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie layer comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Streusel Topping
- Serve these bars warm for maximum comfort.
- Classic Comfort: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Whipped Cream Dream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Coffee Companion: Enjoy them with your coffee or tea.
How to Store Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Streusel Topping
You can store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips to Make Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Streusel Topping
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother brownie batter.
- Do Not Overmix: Mixing the brownie batter too much can make the bars tough. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely: Always let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps them set properly.
- Parchment Paper Slings: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out for clean slicing.
Variations
- Nutty Streusel: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the apple layer.
- Chocolate Chunk Brownies: Use chopped chocolate instead of chocolate chips for a richer brownie base.
- Cranberry Apple: Add dried cranberries to the apple mixture for a festive touch.
FAQs
#### Q1: Can I make these Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Streusel Topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can. These bars often taste even better the next day. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
#### Q2: What kind of apples are best for the Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Streusel Topping?
Granny Smith apples work well because they are tart, which balances the sweetness. You can also use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp for sweetness or Braeburn for a good balance.
#### Q3: How do I get a perfectly fudgy brownie base for my Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Streusel Topping?
Do not overbake the brownies. Use good quality cocoa powder and avoid mixing the dry ingredients too much, as this can make the bars tough.
Decadent Apple Pie Brownie Bars with Cinnamon Streusel
A delightful treat combining rich brownie, spiced apple pie filling, and a buttery cinnamon streusel topping, perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry blender
- Wire rack
- Knives/Peeler/Corer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Apple Pie Layer:
- 3 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional)
- 3 teaspoons Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
For the Brownie Layer:
- 3/4 cup Unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup Light brown sugar packed
- 3 Large eggs
- 3 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 cup Chocolate chips (optional)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Light brown sugar packed
- 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup Cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Pie Layer:
- Peel, core, and dice the apples.
- Toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if desired), lemon juice, and flour; set aside.
Make the Brownie Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some to overhang.
- Melt the butter, then whisk in both granulated and light brown sugars until well combined.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in chocolate chips if you are using them.
Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Layer the spiced apple mixture evenly over the brownie batter.
Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
Bake and Cool:
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick from the brownie layer comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
For easier slicing, ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting. A warm knife can also help achieve clean cuts.