Delicious Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these scrumptious Apple Pie Bars. A delightful twist on traditional apple pie, these bars boast a buttery, shortbread-like crust, a luscious cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday feasts, these bars strike the ideal balance of textures and flavors, making them a crowd favorite every time.

I stumbled upon this Apple Pie Bars recipe a few years back when I needed a quick yet impressive dessert for a bustling family get-together. Since then, it has become my go-to treat for all sorts of celebrations. The rave reviews and requests for seconds (and even sneaky take-home portions!) are a testament to the magic of these delectable bars. Uncle Mike’s eagerness to squirrel away a few for later enjoyment still brings a smile to my face – these bars are truly irresistible!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these Apple Pie Bars are a must-try. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these autumnal delights in no time. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to savor the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your new fall entertaining secret weapon!

Quick Benefits

• Convenient alternative to traditional apple pie
• Perfect balance of textures and flavors
• Versatile for various occasions, from casual to formal gatherings
• Can be customized with different toppings and fruits

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Apple Pie Bars Recipe Recipe

• Perfect fall dessert for entertaining: These apple pie bars are a fantastic dessert option for fall gatherings and events.
• Easy to make and serve: No need for messy slicing or serving utensils – these bars are easy to pick up and enjoy.
• Irresistible flavor and texture: The buttery, shortbread-like crust pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-spiced apple filling and crumbly topping, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
• Versatile recipe with endless variations: You can customize these bars by adding nuts, dried fruits, or caramel sauce for different flavor profiles.
• Loved by all: Even dedicated pie enthusiasts like Uncle Mike will fall in love with these bars, making them a hit at any gathering.
• Make-ahead and freeze option: Perfect for planning ahead, these bars can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature for a quick and easy dessert option.
• Serve in various ways: Enjoy these bars at room temperature, warmed with ice cream, alongside coffee for brunch, or as part of a dessert buffet.
• Comforting taste of autumn: The combination of flavors in these bars embodies the essence of fall, making them a cozy and comforting treat for any occasion.

Ingredients for Delicious Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Crust & Topping

• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

Apple Filling

• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cups peeled & diced apples
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ½ cup brown sugar

How to Make Delicious Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13″ baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for overhang on the sides.

Step 2: Make crust mixture

Combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cold cubed butter, egg, and vanilla in a food processor. Pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, use a pastry cutter or two forks if a food processor is not available.

Step 3: Form bottom crust

Evenly press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan to create a crust layer.

Step 4: Pre-bake crust

Bake the crust for 12 minutes until it starts to set and turns lightly golden. Remove from oven while keeping the oven on.

Step 5: Prepare filling

While the crust is baking, combine diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a large bowl, tossing until evenly coated.

Step 6: Assemble layers

Evenly spread the apple mixture over the partially baked crust.

Step 7: Add topping

Evenly sprinkle the remaining dough mixture over the apples.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles at the edges.

Step 9: Cool and serve

Let the bars cool in the pan, then lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. For neat slices, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked and cooled your delicious apple pie bars, storing them properly will help maintain their freshness and flavor. To store the bars, place them in an airtight container. If stacking the bars, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. The bars can be kept at room temperature for about 2 days, ensuring they are covered to prevent them from drying out. For longer storage, you can store these bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

If you want to store your apple pie bars for an extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Frozen apple pie bars can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow the bars to thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. This make-ahead option is convenient for having a delicious dessert on hand for unexpected guests or for enjoying a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of these apple pie bars, you can consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. This will add a nutty flavor and a boost of fiber to the bars. You can also experiment with using a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.

For a dairy-free option, you can replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Make sure the butter substitute is cold and solid when incorporating it into the crust for the best texture. Additionally, if you’re looking to make these bars vegan-friendly, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg. This will help bind the ingredients together while still providing structure to the bars.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try cutting these apple pie bars into smaller, bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at a party or dessert buffet. The smaller size allows guests to sample multiple desserts without feeling too full, and the dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance to the presentation. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent touch.

Another fun idea is to create a DIY apple pie bar station at your next gathering. Set out a tray of these apple pie bars along with bowls of toppings like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, caramel sauce, and vanilla ice cream. Let guests customize their bars with their favorite toppings for a fun and interactive dessert experience. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and add a playful twist to traditional apple pie flavors.

FAQs for Delicious Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Question?

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

Answer.

It’s recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe, as the amount of salt needed can vary depending on the brand of salted butter you use. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content more precisely.

Question?

Can I make these apple pie bars ahead of time?

Answer.

Yes, these apple pie bars can be made ahead of time. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months.

Question?

How should I serve these apple pie bars?

Answer.

For the best flavor and texture, serve these apple pie bars at room temperature. You can also warm them slightly and top with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They pair well with coffee for brunch or can be served as part of a dessert buffet.

Question?

Can I customize these apple pie bars with different ingredients?

Answer.

Yes, you can customize these apple pie bars by adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for a crunchy texture. You can also mix in dried cranberries with the apples for a festive touch or drizzle warm caramel sauce for a caramel apple variation. Additionally, you can swap pears for some or all of the apples for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these Apple Pie Bars are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. The comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples nestled between layers of buttery crust and crumbly topping will have your guests coming back for more. Don’t be surprised if they become a requested favorite for all your fall festivities!

Remember, feel free to get creative with this recipe. Add your own twist by incorporating nuts, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of caramel for a decadent touch. The versatility of these bars makes them perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dessert to an elegant holiday spread. So whip up a batch of these Apple Pie Bars, sit back, and watch them disappear – your secret weapon for delicious, hassle-free baking!