Delicious homemade apple pie bars topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Apple Pie Bars

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INTRODUCTION

Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie. These bars combine the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with a buttery, crumbly crust. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you serve them at a holiday gathering, a family picnic, or just for a comforting dessert at home, Apple Pie Bars are sure to please everyone.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, Apple Pie Bars are simple to prepare. You can whip them up quickly, and they do not require any fancy equipment. Second, the combination of apples, sugar, and spices creates a delicious filling that is both warm and comforting. Third, these bars are easy to cut and serve, making them a great choice for gatherings. Finally, they store well, so you can enjoy them over several days. Whether hot out of the oven or cooled and ready to serve, Apple Pie Bars are always a favorite.

HOW TO MAKE Apple Pie Bars

Making Apple Pie Bars is a straightforward process. With a few simple steps, you will have a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Here’s how to create these delicious treats.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You will need the following equipment to make Apple Pie Bars:

  • 13 by 9-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife for chopping apples

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes
  • 2 lbs. firm Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for apple filling)
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Butter the 13 by 9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, whisk the egg with the vanilla extract.
  5. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients along with the cold butter. Mix until the mixture is crumbly.
  6. Refrigerate the crumb mixture while you prepare the apples.
  7. Peel, core, and chop the apples. In a separate bowl, mix the chopped apples with the sugar, cornstarch, spices, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  8. Remove the crumb mixture from the refrigerator. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  9. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crumb base.
  10. Crumble the remaining crust on top of the apples.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes until the top is golden and the apples are soft.
  12. Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour before cutting them into squares.

Apple Pie Bars

HOW TO SERVE Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars are best served at room temperature or slightly warm. You can enjoy them plain or top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat. They also pair well with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness. For a warm dessert, simply heat individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Apple Pie Bars

To store Apple Pie Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each square in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Apple Pie Bars can be served in many ways. Some ideas include:

  • Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
  • Top with whipped cream for a creamy finish.
  • Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

VARIATIONS

To make Apple Pie Bars even more exciting, consider these variations:

  • Use a mix of apples for different flavors.
  • Add nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture.
  • Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture.
  • Substitute other spices like cardamom or allspice for a different flavor profile.
  • Try using different types of sugar like brown sugar or coconut sugar for a unique taste.

Apple Pie Bars

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of apples?

Yes! You can use different types of apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Each type of apple will give the bars a different flavor and texture.

2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The Apple Pie Bars are done when the top is golden brown and the apples are soft. You can also test with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the crumb mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before using.

4. Can I add caramel sauce to the filling?

Absolutely! Swirling some caramel sauce into the apple mixture will add a delicious sweetness and flavor to the bars.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Apple Pie Bars

You can make Apple Pie Bars ahead of time to save yourself stress. Prepare the crust and apple filling a day before. Store the crust in the fridge and keep the apple filling in an airtight container. Then, when you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the mixture and bake as directed. This way, you can enjoy fresh Apple Pie Bars without too much fuss.

Apple Pie Bars

A delightful twist on the classic apple pie, these bars combine the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with a buttery, crumbly crust, perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes
For the apple filling
  • 2 lbs. firm Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for apple filling)
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Butter the 13 by 9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, whisk the egg with the vanilla extract.
  5. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients along with the cold butter. Mix until the mixture is crumbly.
  6. Refrigerate the crumb mixture while you prepare the apples.
  7. Peel, core, and chop the apples. In a separate bowl, mix the chopped apples with the sugar, cornstarch, spices, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Baking
  1. Remove the crumb mixture from the refrigerator. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  2. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crumb base.
  3. Crumble the remaining crust on top of the apples.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes until the top is golden and the apples are soft.
  5. Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour before cutting them into squares.

Notes

Apple Pie Bars can be served warm with vanilla ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or can be frozen for up to three months.

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