Description
These Apple Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie with a convenient bar form. Featuring a buttery crumbly crust, a spiced apple filling with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon, and an optional caramel drizzle, these bars make a perfect dessert or snack that’s easy to bake and serve.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Topping:
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
- 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Optional:
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt; set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Make Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing gently until a crumbly dough forms, giving the base and topping their texture.
- Press Dough Base: Press about two-thirds of this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer and set aside the remaining dough for the topping.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/3 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch ensuring all apple slices are evenly coated with the spices and thickener.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the coated apple mixture evenly over the dough base in the baking dish to create the fruit layer.
- Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the apple layer to form a crunchy top layer.
- Bake Bars: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
- Cool Bars: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for at least 30 minutes to set before slicing.
- Serve: Optionally drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness and serve the bars warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for the best tartness and texture in the filling.
- Make sure to cool the bars completely before slicing to prevent breakage.
- Optional caramel sauce adds extra richness and pairs well with the spiced apples.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- This recipe can be doubled for a larger batch; just adjust baking time if needed.
