Apple Pie Bars: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert

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Apple pie bars are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines all the flavors of a traditional apple pie with the convenience of a bar. With a buttery shortbread crust, a warm spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, craving a cozy treat, or simply looking for a way to use up fresh apples, this recipe is a must-try. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making apple pie bars, from ingredient selection to step-by-step instructions and pro tips.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Bars

1. Easy to Make – No need to roll out pie dough! The simple shortbread crust and crumble topping come together effortlessly.
2. Perfectly Portable – These bars are great for on-the-go snacking or packing in lunchboxes.
3. Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or a weeknight dessert, apple pie bars are always a hit.
4. Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, add nuts, or drizzle with caramel for extra indulgence.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Bars

For the Crust & Crumble Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 lbs tart apples like Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust & Crumble

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust.
4. Set aside the remaining one-third of the mixture for the crumble topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a separate large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
2. Spread the apple mixture over the crust in an even layer.

Step 4: Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top of the apple filling.

Step 5: Bake the Apple Pie Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apples are soft when pierced with a knife.

Step 6: Cooling & Slicing

1. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
2. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
3. Slice into 16 squares and serve.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Bars

• Use a mix of apples – Combining tart Granny Smith apples with sweet Honeycrisp or Fuji apples enhances the flavor.
• Toss apples in lemon juice – This helps prevent oxidation and keeps them from turning brown.
• Cool completely before slicing – Cutting too soon may result in a messy presentation. Let the bars firm up for neater slices.
• Enhance with caramel – Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the bars before serving for an indulgent twist.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm apple pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream for extra richness.
• For Breakfast: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee for a delicious morning treat.
• Holiday Dessert: These bars make a fantastic addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert tables.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store Apple Pie Bars:

• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days if you want them to stay fresh longer.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can You Make Apple Pie Bars in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time. Simply store the crust in the fridge and the apple filling separately, then assemble and bake when ready.

Variations & Substitutions

• Nutty Crumble: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
• Maple Cinnamon Flavor: Replace sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, but fresh apples yield the best texture and flavor. If using canned filling, reduce sugar and cornstarch accordingly.

What are the best apples for apple pie bars?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Jonagold are all great choices for balanced sweetness and tartness.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Make sure to bake the bars long enough for moisture to evaporate. Also, avoid using overly juicy apples.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply use a larger baking pan and adjust baking time as needed.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Bars

1. Use a mix of apples – Combining tart Granny Smith apples with sweet Honeycrisp or Fuji apples enhances the flavor balance.
2. Chill the butter – Keeping the butter cold ensures a crisp and flaky crust.
3. Toss apples in lemon juice – This not only prevents oxidation but also adds brightness to the filling.
4. Pre-bake the crust – If you prefer a firmer base, bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling.
5. Cool completely before slicing – Cutting into the bars too soon may cause them to fall apart. Let them firm up for neater slices.
6. Add nuts for crunch – Mixing chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping adds a delicious crunch.
7. Drizzle with caramel – Enhance the bars by drizzling warm salted caramel sauce before serving.
8. Store properly – Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
9. Experiment with spices – Try adding ground ginger, allspice, or cardamom for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
10. Serve warm or cold – Enjoy these bars chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed with a scoop of ice cream.

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Final Thoughts

Apple pie bars are a fantastic alternative to traditional apple pie, offering the same warm flavors in an easy-to-make format. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a cozy treat, this recipe will not disappoint. Give these delicious bars a try and enjoy the perfect balance of buttery crust, spiced apples, and crunchy crumble topping!

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