Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through the air. Your mouth waters at the thought of warm apple pie bars fresh out of the oven, their golden crust beckoning you like a siren’s call to indulge.
Every time I make these apple pie bars, I get transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen where laughter mingled with the scent of freshly baked treats. These bars are not just desserts; they’re memories wrapped in flaky goodness, perfect for cozy family gatherings or a solo afternoon treat on your couch.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These apple pie bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- The flavor profile strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Visually stunning with their golden crust and spiced apple filling, they’re sure to impress at any gathering.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to switch up with different fruits or toppings based on your cravings.
One Thanksgiving, my friends devoured these apple pie bars faster than I could serve them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use good quality flour to ensure a tender and flaky crust.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances sweetness; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold butter works best for creating that flaky texture in your crust.
- Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
- Cinnamon: A must-have spice that adds warmth and depth to your filling.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens flavors and prevents apples from browning too quickly.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and add richness to your filling.
- Baking Powder: This gives your crust that delightful lift we all crave.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Create Your Crust Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Eggs and Mix Well: Beat one egg into your flour mixture until just combined. It should hold together but not be sticky.
Roll Out Your Crust Base: Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of your greased baking dish evenly. It should cover the base completely.
Prepare The Apple Filling: Peel and slice apples thinly. In another bowl, toss them with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon until well coated.
Spread The Filling Evenly : Layer the prepared apples over your crust base in an even fashion. Don’t skimp on this part; more apples mean more flavor!
Add Topping And Bake Away!: Crumble remaining dough over apples as a topping before placing it in the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen while you wait! Let cool slightly before slicing into those delectable bars.
Now you have created some scrumptious apple pie bars that are sure to delight! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!
You Must Know
- Apple pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert.
- They combine the warm flavors of apple pie with a convenient, portable format.
- The buttery crust and spiced filling will have everyone reaching for seconds, making them perfect for gatherings.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping the crust while your oven preheats. Once the crust is ready, layer in the apple filling and bake until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth, while a dash of nutmeg enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store your apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh apples for better flavor; they hold their shape and add natural sweetness.
- Always taste your filling before baking to adjust sweetness or spices.
- Let the bars cool before slicing to ensure clean edges and layers.
Sharing these apple pie bars with my family brought back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where we spent afternoons baking together and sneaking bites when we thought no one was looking.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust for apple pie bars?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust can save time and still taste delicious.
How do I know when the apple pie bars are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling filling around the edges for doneness.
Can I freeze my apple pie bars?
Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for later enjoyment.
Delightful Apple Pie Bars
Savor the taste of warm, spiced apples enveloped in a buttery crust with these delightful apple pie bars. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo!
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
- Beat in the egg until just combined; press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon; layer evenly over the crust.
- Crumble remaining dough over the apple filling.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- For added texture, consider mixing in walnuts or pecans with the apple filling.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar based on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
