These Apple Pie Bars are like a warm hug on a plate! With sweet, spiced apples baked between buttery crust layers, they are perfect for any dessert lover.
Honestly, who can resist that amazing smell while they bake? I love sharing these bars with friends, and they always ask for the recipe—so simple, yet so yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. If you can’t find these, try Fuji or Braeburn apples for a similar flavor. A mix of different apples can also add depth.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal as it allows you to control the saltiness of the recipe. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well. Just use the same amount!
Granulated Sugar: You can reduce the sugar if you prefer less sweetness, especially if your apples are very sweet. Alternatively, you could use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Cornstarch: This ingredient helps thicken the apple filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use equal parts all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Cut Apples for Your Bars?
Getting the apple slices right is key to ensuring they cook evenly. Here’s a quick guide:
- Start by peeling the apples. A vegetable peeler works wonders.
- Core the apples using an apple corer or a knife.
- Slice apples thinly, about 1/4-inch thick. This helps them soften nicely while baking, making it easier to eat the bars.
Mixing in some lemon juice helps keep the apples from browning and adds a tangy flavor. Toss gently until they’re coated, and you’ll be on your way to delicious bars!
Delicious Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For The Apple Filling:
- 5 cups apples (about 5 medium apples), peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 45-50 minutes of baking time. After baking, let the apple pie bars cool completely, which shouldn’t take more than an hour. So, in total, you’ll need about 2 hours from start to finish, but most of that time is just waiting for the bars to bake and cool. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial so that your bars bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Next, add ¾ cup of the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is going to be your yummy crust!
3. Prepare the Base:
Take about 2/3 of this crumb mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your lined baking pan to create a solid crust. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside as it will be used for the topping.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, the remaining ½ cup of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and the last ½ cup of flour. Mix carefully until the apples are well coated and look deliciously inviting.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in your pan. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb topping generously over the apples to give your bars that delightful, crumbly texture.
6. Bake:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll want to see a nice golden brown topping and the apples should be tender, telling you they are perfectly cooked through.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the apple pie bars to cool completely on a wire rack. This usually takes about an hour. After they’re cool, dust the top with powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness. Cut into squares and serve!
Enjoy your delicious apple pie bars warm or at room temperature—perfect for a dessert or a cozy snack! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can also try Fuji, Braeburn, or a mix of different apples for a unique flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pie Bars?
To keep your apple pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to bring them to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! These apple pie bars are perfect for making ahead. Just bake them, cool completely, and then store them covered in the fridge. You can assemble and bake them a day in advance, making them a great choice for gatherings or meal prep.
What Can I Use Instead of Butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative in equal amounts. Just make sure they are also cold and cubed before mixing!
