Introduction

There’s nothing more comforting and nostalgic than a homemade apple pie, but when you’re looking for something just as delicious and perhaps a little more portable or shareable, apple pie bars are the perfect alternative. With all the apples and spices you know and love in a traditional apple pie, these bars pack everything into a handheld dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. In this article, we will guide you through the best apple pie bars recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing the classic flavors you adore.

Ingredients

For the crust:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/4 tsp salt

– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the apple filling:

– 4 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 5 medium-sized apples)

– 1/3 cup granulated sugar

– 2 tbsp cornstarch

– 2 tsp ground cinnamon

– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the streusel topping:

– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

– 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare pan.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, then line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easier to lift out the bars for cutting later.

Step 2: Make the crust.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Add in cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the apple filling.

While the crust is baking, prepare your apple filling by mixing apples, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Set aside and allow the apples to release their juices while you prepare the streusel topping.

Step 4: Make the streusel topping.

In another mixing bowl, combine flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until combined and crumbly.

Step 5: Assemble the bars.

After baking, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spoon apple filling onto cooled crust, leaving behind any excess liquid from the apples. Then evenly distribute streusel topping over the apple layer.

Step 6: Bake and cool.

Bake apple pie bars for an additional 40-45 minutes or until streusel topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before using parchment paper overhang to gently lift bars from the pan. Once cooled, cut into square or rectangular bars.

Conclusion

Apple pie bars are a convenient and delicious twist on traditional apple pie that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics or serving at holiday gatherings. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can satisfy your craving for that classic apple pie flavor in a shareable treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!