Apple Pie Bars: Easy Recipe & Delicious Dessert

Apple pie bars: Imagine sinking your teeth into the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple pie, but in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-eat bar. Sounds divine, right? These aren’t just any dessert; they’re a delightful twist on a beloved American tradition, offering all the cozy goodness of apple pie without the fuss of slicing and serving a whole pie.

The history of apple pie itself is a fascinating journey, evolving from its European roots to become a symbol of American comfort and home. While the exact origins of apple pie bars are harder to pinpoint, they represent a modern adaptation, catering to our busy lifestyles while still allowing us to savor those nostalgic flavors. They’re the perfect treat for potlucks, bake sales, or simply a cozy night in.

What makes apple pie bars so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The buttery, crumbly crust provides a delightful contrast to the soft, spiced apple filling. The aroma alone is enough to evoke feelings of warmth and happiness. Plus, their convenience is a major draw. No forks required! They’re easy to pack, easy to share, and easy to love. Get ready to experience a slice of heaven in every bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water
• For the Apple Filling:
• 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• For the Crumble Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• Optional:
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
• Caramel sauce, for drizzling (after baking)
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Preparing the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the crust, which is crucial for flavor.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly and keep the butter cold. Small pieces of butter create flaky layers in the crust. If the butter gets too warm, the crust will be tough.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. You want a shaggy dough that holds together when pressed.
4. Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This chilling time allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking.

Preparing the Apple Filling:

1. While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The flour helps to thicken the filling as the apples release their juices during baking.
2. Add the lemon juice and toss to coat. The lemon juice not only adds a bright flavor but also helps to prevent the apples from browning.
3. Dot the apple mixture with the small pieces of butter. The butter adds richness and flavor to the filling.
4. Set the apple filling aside while you prepare the crumble topping.

Preparing the Crumble Topping:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. The oats add a nice texture and nutty flavor to the crumble topping.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Again, work quickly and keep the butter cold for the best texture. You want a crumbly mixture that holds together slightly when squeezed.
3. Set the crumble topping aside.

Assembling and Baking the Apple Pie Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan and press it evenly into the bottom. If the dough tears, simply patch it up with extra dough.
3. Remove the second disc of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a size slightly larger than the pan.
4. Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust in the pan.
5. Carefully place the second rolled-out dough over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp the edges to seal.
6. Optional: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. The egg wash gives the crust a beautiful golden-brown color, and the turbinado sugar adds a nice crunch.
7. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top crust. Make sure to distribute the crumble evenly so that every bite has a delicious crumble topping.
8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the pan with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
9. Let the apple pie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important because the filling will continue to set as it cools. If you cut the bars while they are still warm, the filling will be runny.
10. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Serving Suggestions:

These apple pie bars are delicious on their own, but they are even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

Tips for Success:

• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are essential for a flaky crust.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking.
• Use a variety of apples: A combination of sweet and tart apples will give the filling a more complex flavor.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting: This allows the filling to set and prevents it from being runny.

Variations:

• Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra flavor and texture.
• Use different spices: Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, in the apple filling.
• Add caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the crumble topping.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the crust and crumble topping.
• Individual bars: Instead of baking in a 9×13 inch pan, you can bake the bars in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Storage:

Store leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the bars in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Apple Pie Bars are truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that because I created the recipe. The combination of the buttery, crumbly crust, the sweet and spiced apple filling, and that optional (but highly recommended!) drizzle of caramel creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone begging for more. Seriously, prepare to be the star baker of your friend group!

What makes these bars so special is their simplicity. You get all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie without the fuss of rolling out dough and crimping edges. They’re perfect for a casual weeknight dessert, a potluck gathering, or even a special occasion. Plus, they travel incredibly well, making them ideal for picnics and road trips.

But the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Gala apples all work beautifully in this recipe, each adding its own unique sweetness and tartness. You could even add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a little extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
* Dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
* For a fall-inspired twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust.
* If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of cream cheese filling between the crust and the apple mixture.
* Want to make them even easier? Use a store-bought pie crust! (I won’t tell!)
* For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in the crust.

I truly believe that these Apple Pie Bars will become a new family favorite. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. They are also a great way to use up extra apples you might have on hand. The warm spices and sweet apples create a comforting and satisfying dessert that everyone will love.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing bars. I promise you won’t regret it!

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I’m confident that you’ll find these bars to be a delightful and easy treat to make and share. Enjoy!

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