Description: These Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on classic apple pie, offering all the comforting flavors in an easy-to-eat, portable format. With a buttery, crumbly crust, a sweet and slightly tart apple filling, and a luscious glaze, these bars are perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a cozy night in. They capture the essence of fall with every bite, blending warm spices and the natural sweetness of apples into a dessert that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it. This will ensure that the bars do not stick to the bottom and are easy to remove once baked. You can also line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, which will allow you to lift the entire batch of bars out easily after baking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the crust. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of packed brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The cinnamon will add a warm, spicy note that complements the apples beautifully.
Step 3: Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted, as this will help create a crumbly texture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, similar to damp sand. This crumbly mixture will form the base and topping of your apple pie bars.
Step 4: Divide the crumb mixture in half. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a firm, even layer. This will serve as the crust for your apple pie bars, providing a sturdy base for the apple filling.
Step 5: In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. We recommend using firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji, as they hold their shape well during baking and provide a balanced sweetness.
Step 6: Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract to the diced apples. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. The lemon juice will prevent the apples from browning and add a subtle tartness that enhances their flavor. The vanilla extract will infuse the apples with a warm, aromatic sweetness.
Step 7: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Distribute the apples in a single layer, ensuring that they cover the entire surface of the crust. This will create a uniform filling that bakes evenly and provides a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apple filling. Gently press the crumb topping into the apples to create a cohesive layer. This crumb topping will add a delightful texture and a golden-brown color as the bars bake.
Step 9: Bake the apple pie bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on the bars while they are baking to prevent the topping from burning. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the dish with aluminum foil.
Step 10: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish. Cooling the bars completely will allow the filling to set and make them easier to slice.
Step 11: While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread easily.
Step 12: Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. You can use a spoon or a fork to create a decorative pattern on the surface of the bars. The glaze will add a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish to the apple pie bars.
Step 13: Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Apple Pie Bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. They offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the buttery, crumbly crust to the sweet and tangy apple filling, topped with a smooth and sweet glaze. They are also highly versatile, making them ideal for various occasions. Plus, they are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Apple Pie Bars warm or at room temperature.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy them with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve them as a dessert for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
Tips:
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor profile. Try combining sweet apples like Gala or Fuji with tart apples like Granny Smith.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the crust. To make brown butter, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly before using.
- If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make your own by grinding granulated sugar in a food processor until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30-35 minutes
Total Time:
50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 per bar
- Protein: 3-4 grams
- Sodium: 100-150 mg
Conclusion
These Apple Pie Bars are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of the year. Their ease of preparation and delightful taste make them a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these delightful Apple Pie Bars today!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples, you can experiment with other varieties or a combination of apples to create your own unique flavor profile. Granny Smith apples, for example, would add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the bars.
Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Apple Pie Bars are a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the glaze until shortly before serving, to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Q3: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze Apple Pie Bars for longer storage. Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply remove the bars from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Q4: Can I use a different type of flour for the crust?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour. Whole wheat flour, for example, would add a slightly nutty flavor and a more hearty texture to the crust. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe if necessary, as different flours absorb liquid differently.
Q5: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add nuts to enhance the flavor and texture of the Apple Pie Bars. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a delicious addition to either the crust or the apple filling. Simply sprinkle the nuts over the crumb topping before baking.
