These easy Apple and Plum Crumble Bars are crunchy, sweet, and fruity. They take under an hour to make, are a delicious snack, and can be made to suit many dietary needs.
If you are looking for another apple crumble recipe, you have to check out my Apple Crumble Tart!
Why You’ll LOVE This Apple and Plum Crumble Recipe
- They are made into bars which makes them even easier than traditional crumble.
- Great for meal prep or school lunches. Heck, they can even be your reduced guilt late night snack or the sidekick to your morning coffee!
- They are super versatile. Make them gluten free, dairy free, and even vegan without any issues! You can also use different types of plums and apples, leave the peels on or take them off.
Ingredients for Apple and Plum Crumble Bars
The oat crumble is both the bottom and top layer of these bars. It is….
- Oats: I used old fashioned but really any variety of oats work.
- All-Purpose Flour: This recipe works great with 1:1 gluten free flour too (I make these that way quite often).
- Almond flour: A little bit of almond flour adds moisture and texture.
- Brown sugar: This adds deep caramel notes to the crumble.
- Cinnamon: Because every crumble deserves some spice.
- Unsalted Butter- Any variety works, including plant butter.
The apple and plum filling is simple yet so flavorful. And I was so surprised by how well apple and plum paired together. They did not overpower one another.
- Apples: Wash them thoroughly, peel, and dice them into bite sized pieces.
- Plums: Again, wash, peel, and dice them into same size pieces as the apple.
- Cornstarch: This will thicken the fruity mixture as it bakes.
- Fresh lemon juice: Bottled just does not cut it, but if you do not have lemon juice, apple cider vinegar in it’s place is a great substitute.
- Brown sugar: For added sweetness and flavor to the filling.
How to Make Apple Plum Crumble Bars
Once the two mixtures are combined it is easy as 1,2,3, bake! Well, first you need to preheat your oven to 375° F and prepare your 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and non-stick cooking spray. Then . . .
- Press 2/3 of the oat crumble mixture in the bottom of your baking dish
- Pour your apple and plum filling on top of that
- Sprinkle the remainder of the oat crumble on top
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow your crumble bars to cool in the pan until they are room temperature. Cut into 9 equal squares and enjoy!
PRO TIP: Double the recipe to make a 9×13 pan of these!
Recipe Substitutions
Vegan Version- To make this dish vegan you can sub out the brown sugar for cane sugar, coconut sugar, or the sweetener of your choice and have no issues.
Gluten Version- If you do not want this to be gluten free or do not have gluten free flour or almond flour, you can use all purpose flour.
Dairy Version- Again, if you do not want this to be dairy free or do not have plant butter, you can use regular unsalted butter.
While you’re at it, try these super delicious Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
No the apples and plums do not need to be peeled. If you want to make these crumble bars easier while capturing the nutrients from the peels, you can leave them on. Just wash them thoroughly so you do not get wax and pesticides in your bars.
Yes! And they freeze great actually. All you have to do is freeze the cut bars, place them in a reusable gallon bag, and freeze for up to three months. This makes them an easy to grab and go snack.
No, not really. I used very ripe Fuji apples and red plums in this recipe. Any plum will work great, and the only apples I do not recommend are Red Delicious or Granny Smith apples. Keep in mind the harder the fruit the longer they make take to cook.
For More Apple Recipes, Check These Out!
- Apple Cider Mule Mocktail
- Apple Butter BBQ Pork Sliders
- Apple Butter BBQ Sauce
- Caramel Apple Pie Dip
- Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail
- Apple Bee’s Knees Mocktail
- Apple Cider Slush
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Apple and Plum Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Oat Crumble
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter; melted
Apple & Pear Filling
- 1 cup apples; peeled and diced
- 1 cup plums; peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice; fresh (or use apple cider vinegar)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F and center the oven rack.
- Prepare an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium sized bowl combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Combine with a fork until the butter has evenly saturated the mixture.
- Place ⅔ of the oat crumble into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute and press down with the back of a glass or measuring cup. You want the mixture to be compacted so it doesn't crumble and fall apart. Set aside.
- In another medium sized bowl combine the peeled and diced apples and plums, corn starch, lemon juice, and brown sugar.
- Top the oat crumble mixture with your fruit mixture. Make sure it is evenly distributed throughout.
- Crumble the leftover ⅓ oat crumble mixture on top of the fruit mixture. It doesn't have to be perfect.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool in the pan until room temperature.
Video
Notes
Storing Information:
- Covered at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Covered in the refrigerator for up to ten days.
- Covered and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
If you make my Apple and Plum Crumble Bars, don’t forget to leave this recipe a rating, comment, or like. Tag me on social media using the hashtag #EntirelyElizabeth when sharing your own personal photos making this recipe. I would love to see your version and know your thoughts!
I love crumble topping. Peaches are in season. That would be awesome!
Yes! Peaches would be great in this as well!
~Elizabeth
Love the addition of plum! These sound amazing – can’t wait to try!
Thank you! I believe apple and plum are truly underrated!
~Elizabeth
Those look good. I like anything with a crumble topping!
Me too! A good oat-ey crumble is the best!
Thank you for taking the time to rate and comment on this recipe!
~Elizabeth
Super easy ingredients!!
Yes they are! Thank you for taking the time to rate and comment!
Enjoy!
~Elizabeth