If you are looking for a delightful twist on a classic favorite, this Apple Pie Bars Recipe will quickly become your go-to dessert. Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples nestled between a buttery crust and a crumbly topping, all baked into perfect handheld bars. These bars combine the best of apple pie flavors with the ease and portability that make them irresistible for gatherings, snacks, or just a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the baking, it’s great to know that this Apple Pie Bars Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the tartness of Granny Smith apples to the rich butter that creates that flaky, crumbly crust and topping.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup + 1 tablespoon): The foundation for your crust and filling, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup + 3 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the apples perfectly.
- Kosher salt (â…› teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the taste.
- Salted butter (1 cup chilled + 2 tablespoons unsalted): Essential for creating that buttery, flaky crust and a rich finish on the filling.
- Granny Smith apples (5 medium, peeled and chopped): Their tartness and firm texture hold up beautifully during baking, giving you that quintessential apple pie bite.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon fresh): Brightens the apples’ flavor and prevents browning as you prep.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): The classic spice that infuses the filling with warmth and coziness.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining the flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Cut the chilled salted butter into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly blend will form the buttery base and top for your bars.
Step 2: Press the Crust
Reserve about one-third of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining two-thirds evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, creating a firm and even layer. This will be the sturdy base that supports all the delicious apple filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples with the 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will deliver a juicy, spiced apple center that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of softness after baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the apple filling evenly over the pressed crust in your pan. Dot the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter pieces on top of the apple layer—this little trick adds richness and helps to caramelize the fruit while baking.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the apples. Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The finished bars should boast a golden, crumbly top with a bubbling apple filling underneath.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these Apple Pie Bars Recipe warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is simply divine. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair your bars with a fresh cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a crisp glass of apple cider for a cozy, comforting snack or dessert experience. They also work wonderfully alongside a simple green salad for a sweet contrast after a meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve slices of these Apple Pie Bars Recipe on small wooden boards or charming dessert plates adorned with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with rustic twine makes a delightful gift or picnic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Pie Bars Recipe keep beautifully at room temperature for up to two days in an airtight container. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to five days, which keeps the filling from getting too soft and maintains the crumbly topping.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that freshly baked taste anytime.
Reheating
Warm your Apple Pie Bars Recipe gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive the crispy topping and melty filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the topping may lose its crumbly texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, you can substitute with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples for a sweeter or slightly different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a binding agent to keep the crust tender and crumbly.
Can I use salted butter throughout the recipe?
Yes, if you only have salted butter, use it for both crust and filling but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting.
How do I know when the Apple Pie Bars are done baking?
They’re ready when the topping is golden brown, and you see the apple filling bubbling around the edges. The crust should feel firm to the touch but not hard.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
You sure can! Make the crumb mixture and press it into the pan the night before, then refrigerate. Add the apple filling and topping right before baking for the freshest results.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Bars Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that offers so much comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, these bars bring the classic flavor of apple pie into a convenient, delightful form. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these bars disappear!
Print
Apple Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining a buttery shortbread crust with a spiced apple filling and a tender crumb topping. These bars are perfect for serving as a portable treat, offering all the warm flavors of a traditional apple pie in a convenient, easy-to-eat form.
Ingredients
Crust & Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup salted butter (226 grams, chilled, 2 sticks)
Apple Filling
- 5 medium Granny Smith apples (750 grams, peeled and chopped)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (38 grams)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (8 grams)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (14 grams, from ½ lemon)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams, ¼ stick)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust base: In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and â…› teaspoon kosher salt. Cut in 1 cup chilled salted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press about two-thirds of this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan to form the crust.
- Make the apple filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to coat the apple pieces evenly.
- Cook the apple mixture: Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the pressed crust in the pan. Crumble the remaining one-third of the crust dough over the apple layer to create a crumb topping.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 9 or more bars. Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for tartness that balances the sweetness of the crumb topping.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars before slicing to help them hold their shape.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars also freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
