Print

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 21 reviews

These Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery crumbly crust with a spiced golden delicious apple filling, baked to a golden brown perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for dessert or snack, these bars deliver all the classic apple pie flavors in a convenient square form.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 3/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar (break up any clumps)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes

Filling

  • 2 lbs. firm golden delicious apples (about 6 cups), peeled, cored and chopped at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1/2 medium lemon)

Instructions

  1. Prep the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 13×9-inch metal baking dish and line it with two sheets of parchment paper, allowing a 1-inch overhang on all sides for easy removal later.
  2. Combine dry crust ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.
  3. Mix egg and vanilla: In a small bowl, whisk the large egg with the vanilla extract until blended.
  4. Make crust dough: Add the cold, cubed butter and the egg-vanilla mixture to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter (or food processor), cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Chill the dough in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
  5. Prepare apple filling: Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 6 cups. In a bowl, toss them with the 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and lemon zest until all apples are evenly coated.
  6. Form bottom crust: Remove the crust dough from the fridge and press half of it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
  7. Add apple filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust base, pouring off any excess juices from the bowl to avoid sogginess.
  8. Top with remaining crust: Crumble the remaining dough over the apples, breaking it into small pieces and pressing slightly to create a crumbly topping.
  9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are soft (check doneness with a toothpick).
  10. Cool and serve: Let the bars cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before cutting into 15 squares. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; note that bars soften after the first day but remain delicious.

Notes

  • Use a metal baking dish for even baking and the best crust texture.
  • Let the bars cool fully before cutting to ensure they hold together better.
  • If bars soften after refrigeration, warm them slightly before serving for improved texture.
  • You can substitute golden delicious apples with other firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji based on preference.
  • The cornstarch helps thicken the filling and prevents it from becoming runny during baking.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/apple-pie-bars-recipe/