These Apple Pie Bars are a fun twist on a classic dessert! With layers of sweet, spiced apples and a buttery crust, they’re easy to grab and enjoy anytime.
Honestly, they’re so good that I often find myself sneaking another piece before dinner—oops! 😅 A scoop of ice cream on top makes these bars even more special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which contrasts nicely with the sweet filling. If you prefer sweeter apples, try Honeycrisp or Fuji. You can mix different apples for depth of flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for this recipe. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just ensure it’s cold for the perfect crumb topping.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but if you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend could work well too. Just keep an eye on texture—it might be slightly different.
Spices: I always add a pinch of cardamom along with cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm flavor. Feel free to experiment with spices like all-spice or ginger for a unique twist.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crust and Topping?
The crust and crumb topping are essential in Apple Pie Bars. To get that perfect texture, the butter should be very cold. You can even freeze it for a bit before cutting it in!
- Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix the butter with flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures a flaky texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough! You want some chunks of butter for a nice, crumbly topping.
- Press the dough firmly into the pan to create a sturdy base. It will hold the filling better and make slicing easier.
Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 to 6 medium apples (about 3 pounds), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or your favorite baking apple)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Pie Bars recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, followed by 45-50 minutes of baking time. After baking, you’ll want to let it cool completely, which takes about 30 minutes. So, set aside about 1 hour and 45 minutes for the entire process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust and Crumb Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Next, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This will help create a flaky texture in your bars!
2. Mixing the Dough:
Add in the granulated sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything just until combined. Your dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed. This is perfect for the crust!
3. Forming the Crust:
Reserve about 1 cup of the dough for the crumb topping. Now, press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, creating a solid crust layer.
4. Preparing the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Then add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until every apple slice is coated in the sugary goodness!
5. Assembling the Bars:
Evenly spread the apple mixture over the crust layer in the baking pan. Make sure the apples are distributed well to ensure every bite is filled with flavors!
6. Adding the Crumb Topping:
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the apple layer. This will create a delicious crumbly topping when baked!
7. Baking the Bars:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bars for 45-50 minutes. They are done when the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cooling Down:
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the filling set up nicely.
9. Finishing Touch:
After they’ve cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the cooled bars into squares and serve. For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
These cozy Apple Pie Bars are a delightful blend of buttery crust, warm spiced apples, and a crumbly topping. Enjoy them with family and friends or keep them all to yourself (we won’t judge!).
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, feel free to use any favorite baking apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Mixing different types can also add depth to the flavor!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the texture as it might slightly differ, but they should still turn out delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just warm them up before serving for the best taste!
Can I Freeze Apple Pie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Once cooled, cut them into squares and place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
