These Apple Pie Bars combine the best of both worlds: a warm, buttery crust paired with a sweet, spiced apple filling. A dusting of powdered sugar finishes off these bars, creating a perfect treat for a chilly fall day or a family gathering.
The balance between the crunchy crust and soft apple filling makes these Apple Pie Bars a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a slice of pie or looking for a fun twist on the classic dessert, these bars are the way to go!
Full Recipe:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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4 cups apples, peeled and chopped
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 tablespoon butter (for the filling)
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1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the butter and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough forms.
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Press about 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
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Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
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For the filling, toss the apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples begin to soften.
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Spread the apple filling over the baked crust, then crumble the remaining dough on top.
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Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
The Simplicity of the Ingredients
This recipe relies on just a few ingredients, all of which are easily accessible and affordable. All-purpose flour gives structure to the crust, while granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and the apple filling. The butter in both the crust and filling adds richness, with salted butter used in the crust and unsalted butter in the filling. Granny Smith apples are a favorite for baking because they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance between tart and sweet. The addition of fresh lemon juice helps preserve the apples’ freshness and prevents them from turning brown. Finally, ground cinnamon infuses the filling with a warm, comforting flavor that’s synonymous with fall.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bars
For the best results when making Apple Pie Bars, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. First, ensure you pre-cook both the crust and the filling. Pre-baking the crust ensures that it won’t become soggy when you add the apple filling, while cooking the apples helps thicken the mixture and intensify the flavor. Another tip is to use a metal baking pan rather than a glass one, as it ensures more even cooking and a crispier crust.
Also, for the cleanest cuts, let the bars cool completely before slicing. Cutting into the bars while they are still warm can cause the filling to spill out, resulting in a messier presentation. Patience is key!
Creative Variations of Apple Pie Bars
While the classic Apple Pie Bars recipe is already delicious, you can easily customize it to fit your personal taste preferences. For a unique twist, you can substitute the Granny Smith apples with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a slightly sweeter flavor. If you enjoy a bit of texture in your dessert, try adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
For a more indulgent treat, consider drizzling the bars with a homemade caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm bars with the cold ice cream is nothing short of heavenly. You could also experiment with spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to add more depth to the flavor profile of the bars. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your toppings and additions!
How to Serve Apple Pie Bars
Apple Pie Bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, here are a few ideas. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. If you’re looking for a fall-inspired twist, try serving them with a scoop of pumpkin ice cream. For a truly indulgent treat, drizzle the bars with homemade caramel sauce and top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This salted caramel combo pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced apple filling, adding an extra layer of flavor that is sure to please.
Apple Pie Bars also make an excellent addition to potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. They can be cut into small squares, making them easy to share and serve. The bars hold up well at room temperature, making them an ideal dessert for picnics or barbecues.
Storing and Reheating Apple Pie Bars
One of the great things about Apple Pie Bars is that they store well and can be enjoyed for several days after baking. To store the bars, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can eat them cold or warm them up gently in the microwave. A quick 10-15 second zap will bring back their gooey, comforting texture, making them just as delicious as when they were first baked.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie Bars
Apple Pie Bars are incredibly versatile. Not only are they delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of sides and toppings to enhance the flavor. As mentioned earlier, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a fantastic addition, but they also pair wonderfully with fresh whipped cream or even a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could serve these bars with a hot cup of apple cider or a warm cup of coffee, making them the perfect fall dessert.
Why Apple Pie Bars Are Perfect for Fall
There’s something about the combination of cinnamon, apples, and buttery crust that screams fall. Apple Pie Bars capture all the best elements of the season, from the cozy flavors to the beautiful golden hue of the apples. Whether you’re hosting a fall party or just craving something sweet, these bars will bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia to your home. They’re simple to make and perfect for serving a crowd, which is why they’re a great choice for any fall celebration.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. They are quick, easy, and full of the classic flavors we all love in apple pie. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious, gooey dessert in no time. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering or enjoying them as an after-dinner treat, these bars are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. And with their customizable nature, you can make them your own, experimenting with different toppings, spices, or apple varieties. So why not give this simple yet satisfying dessert a try? Your taste buds will thank you!