These Apple Pie Bars are a tasty twist on the classic dessert! With layers of sweet, spiced apples and a buttery crust, they make the perfect treat for any occasion.
Who doesn’t love a handy version of apple pie? I often pack these for picnics or enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream. Easy to share, and even easier to eat! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Using tart apples like Granny Smith gives the bars a nice balance. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Blend different types for added complexity if you like!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best because you can control the salt in your recipe. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter work well, just ensure it’s solid when mixing.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just check that it has xanthan gum for proper texture.
Sugars: I love the depth that brown sugar adds, but you can swap half of it for granulated sugar if you want a lighter sweetness. Remember, coconut sugar is also a healthy alternative for a more caramel flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crust?
Creating a perfect crust is all about the butter and mixing technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep your butter cold! It should be firm and cut directly from the fridge. This helps achieve a flaky texture.
- Mix just until crumbly. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust. Aim for a mix that looks like coarse crumbs.
- Press the dough firmly into the pan. It helps create a solid base that won’t crumble apart when you cut the bars later.
Chilling the crust before adding the filling helps it stay crisp during baking too!
How to Make Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or a tart variety), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
- For Serving:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Pie Bars recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 45 to 55 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’ll spend a little over 1 hour in the kitchen, plus some cooling time before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then take a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later, or simply grease it lightly.
2. Make the Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Next, add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some small pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This will give your crust that delightful flaky texture!
3. Form the Base:
Take about two-thirds of that crumb mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms the base for your bars. Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the apple filling.
4. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch (if you’re using it). Toss everything together until the apple slices are well coated and set it aside.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust in the pan, making sure to distribute it well. Take the remaining crumb mixture and crumble it over the top of the apples to create a nice topping.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender. Keep an eye on it!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. When fully cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if you wish. Cut into bars and enjoy your delicious treat with a cup of coffee or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
There you have it! Enjoy making and sharing these tasty Apple Pie Bars.
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix of different apples to suit your taste. Just aim for a firm and slightly tart apple for the best flavor balance.
How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure in the crust.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Spices?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. For spices, a pinch of allspice or clove can enhance the flavor profile, so experiment to find your perfect mix!
