These Apple Pie Bars are a yummy twist on classic apple pie! With a buttery crust layered with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, they’re perfect for any dessert lover.
What’s great is how easy they are to share, so they’re perfect for parties. Plus, they taste amazing warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—heavenly, right? 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor to the crust. If you’re looking to cut calories or dairy, coconut oil can be a great substitute—just melt it and use it in the same amount!
Flour: All-purpose flour works best here for the crust. If you’re gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the texture similar.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and perfect for baking, but you can mix them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added flavor. Just aim for a balance between sweet and tart apples.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices really enhance the apple flavor. If you’re short on nutmeg, you can skip it or use allspice for a different twist!
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. Dark brown sugar works too, but it has a stronger molasses flavor, which can be delicious!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crust for My Apple Pie Bars?
The crust is crucial to achieving that classic pie taste. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use cold butter to keep it flaky! If it’s too warm, the crust will be too greasy.
- Mix the crust ingredients just until crumbly—not too much, or it may become tough.
- Press down firmly to create a solid base. This helps it hold together when cut into bars.
- Pre-bake your crust for about 10 minutes before adding the apples. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy.
These tips will help ensure your Apple Pie Bars turn out deliciously every time! Enjoy baking!
Delicious Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 5 to 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep, and then you’ll need about 50-60 minutes of bake time. Let the bars cool for a bit before cutting, bringing the total time to roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This is the perfect size for our delicious apple pie bars!
2. Make the Crust and Topping:
In a large bowl, combine your melted butter, 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix everything together using a fork or your hands until it looks crumbly. Then, press about two-thirds of this mix firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a strong crust.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In another big bowl, toss your thinly sliced apples with lemon juice. This helps brighten their flavor! Next, add the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, nutmeg, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the apple slices are well coated in the sweet spice mix.
4. Assemble the Bars:
Carefully arrange the coated apple slices evenly over the crust you just made in the baking pan. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture over the apples evenly so that they are well covered.
5. Bake Them Up!
Pop your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the topping to be golden brown and the apples tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is important so that the bars firm up nicely. After they’ve cooled, cut them into bars. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some caramel sauce on top before serving!
These Apple Pie Bars are sure to be a hit! With their buttery base, sweet and spiced apple layer, and crumbly topping, they’re a wonderful treat to enjoy any time. Enjoy your baking! 🍏🍰
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness, feel free to mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Mixing gives a more complex flavor!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these apple pie bars gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance to let the flavors meld. Just cool and store them as mentioned, and they’ll be even more delicious the next day!