Apple Pie Bars bring the cozy taste of fall right to your plate! They feature sweet, spiced apples wrapped in a buttery crust, making them perfect for dessert or a snack.
These bars are super easy to slice and share, which is great for gatherings. I love adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—talk about a treat! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for a tart flavor, which contrasts nicely with the sweet filling. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Honeycrisp work great too. You can mix different apple types for more depth in flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative can be used, but check that they’re solid for cutting into the dough.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal. For a gluten-free option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still taste great!
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are key for that classic apple pie flavor. If you don’t have nutmeg, feel free to skip it or substitute with a pinch of allspice for a different twist.
How Can I Get the Best Crunchy Crust?
The crust for Apple Pie Bars needs to be just right to hold up the filling. Here are steps to get that perfect crunch:
- Use cold butter; this helps create a flaky texture. Don’t overwork the dough—mix until just combined.
- Press the dough firmly into the pan to ensure it holds its shape when baking.
- Bake until golden brown—if undercooked, it may be soggy. Trust your oven timer!
Cooling the bars completely allows the crust to firm up, making them easier to cut and serve. Enjoy the crunchy goodness!
How to Make Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely, which may take about 30-60 minutes. So, overall, plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours before you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Apple Pie Bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easier to lift out your bars later!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Next, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then, beat the egg with vanilla extract and mix it into the flour mixture until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix!
3. Form the Crust:
Use about 3/4 of the dough and press it firmly into the bottom of your lined baking pan to create an even crust. Make sure it covers the entire bottom of the pan nicely.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and lemon juice until the apples are well-coated. This will give them all those delicious flavors!
5. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan. Crumble the remaining dough over the top as a topping. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, and cut them into squares.
Enjoy your Apple Pie Bars warm or at room temperature, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream on top for a delightful treat! 🍏🍰
Can I Use Different Types of Apples For This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or any combination of your favorites. Mixing different apples can add more depth to the flavors!
How Can I Thicken the Apple Filling?
If you find that your apples are too juicy, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour or a sprinkle of cornstarch to help absorb some of that moisture. Just toss it in with the apple mixture before layering it in the pan.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients, Like Nuts or Raisins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or raisins for added texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the apple filling before assembling the bars.
