Apple Cider + Ube Crumble Bars

Whether you have holiday weekend plans, or just want something delicious, crumbly and colorful to share with your family (or keep all to yourself!), these Apple Cider + Ube Crumble Bars are sure to steal the show.

They are buttery, jammy, and just the right balance of nostalgic and new. Think shortbread crust, swirled with an apple cider reduction made from Kristof Farms Noir Cider and ube halaya (a sweet purple yam jam), and topped with an oat crumble topping.

They travel well, slice beautifully, and look just as good on a cookie tray as they do on a picnic table.

If you’ve got some leftover Kristof Farms Noir Cider on hand, this is a perfect way to put it to use.

Recipe:

Shortbread base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp salt

  Filling:

• ¾ cup ube halaya (ube jam)

• ½ cup reduced Noir Cider

  Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• ⅓ cup cold butter, cubed

  Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

• Make the crust: Stir together melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour until crumbly but combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Prick lightly with a fork.

• Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly set. Let cool slightly.

• Prepare the filling: Mix the ube halaya and Noir Cider reduction together in a bowl. You can fully combine or gently swirl them to keep that purple color pop.

• Spread the filling over the cooled crust

• Make the crumble topping: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers or a fork until clumpy and crumbly.

• Sprinkle the topping over the filling.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.

• Cool completely before slicing (seriously—this helps them hold together and lets the flavors settle in.)

• ✨ Optional Add-Ons:

  • A few dollops of extra ube jam on top before baking, for drama

  • A dash of nutmeg or cardamom in the crumble if you’re feeling fancy

    These bars are best shared—if you can part with them. Just don’t be surprised if you leave the party with an empty plate and a bunch of people asking you for the recipe.