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
Scale
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.
