I’ve developed these nutritious Apple-Oat Crumble Squares that combine flaky puff pastry, tender apples, and a fiber-rich oat topping. This healthier take on traditional apple pie bars offers natural sweetness and satisfying texture while incorporating wholesome ingredients.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Drawing inspiration from both Dutch apple pie and traditional British crumbles, I’ve created these squares to satisfy dessert cravings while adding nutritional benefits. The combination of oats and nuts adds fiber and protein, making these squares a more balanced treat.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large Granny Smith apples (600g/21oz), sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Oat Crumble:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (50g)
- 1/4 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts) (30g), chopped
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (30g), solid
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (24g)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Base:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (275g/9.7oz), thawed
- 1 egg for egg wash
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
- Peel and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick slices
- Toss with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- Let stand 15 minutes to release juices
- Drain excess liquid
- Make the Crumble
- Combine oats, chopped nuts, and cinnamon
- Work in solid coconut oil with fingers until crumbly
- Add coconut sugar and salt
- Mix until evenly distributed
- Prepare the Base
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Line 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment
- Roll pastry to fit pan bottom
- Prick all over with fork
- Brush with egg wash
- Assembly
- Layer apple slices over pastry
- Pack tightly to minimize gaps
- Sprinkle crumble topping evenly
- Press gently to adhere
- Baking
- Bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown
- Rotate pan halfway through
- Cool completely before cutting
Expert Tips
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape
- Keep pastry cold until ready to use
- Drain apple juices to prevent soggy bottom
- Cool completely for clean cuts
- Use sharp knife for serving
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: 2 days in airtight container
- Refrigerated: up to 5 days
- Reheat individual squares at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1 square):
- Calories: 265
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Natural Sugars: 12g
- Added Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 3×3 inches/7.5×7.5cm)
- Servings Per Recipe: 12
These Apple-Oat Crumble Squares offer a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and satisfying texture. The flaky puff pastry base provides a delicate foundation for the tender apples, while the oat-nut crumble adds nutritious crunch and fiber.
The use of coconut oil and coconut sugar instead of traditional butter and refined sugar adds subtle caramel notes while keeping the sweetness moderate. The combination of oats and nuts in the topping provides sustained energy and satisfying texture.
For the best experience, serve these squares slightly warm or at room temperature. They make an excellent afternoon snack or light dessert, paired perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. The fiber from the oats and fruit helps make these squares more filling than traditional pastries.
The natural sweetness of the apples shines through, enhanced by warm cinnamon and nutmeg, while the coconut sugar adds just enough sweetness to make these feel like a true treat. The nutritious ingredients make these squares a smarter choice when craving something sweet.
