If you’re craving the comforting flavors of apple pie but want a more portable treat, these Apple Pie Bars are the perfect solution! With a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars pack all the deliciousness of traditional apple pie into an easy-to-eat form. They make a wonderful dessert for gatherings, picnics, or simply to enjoy at home.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the flour until fully combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool slightly.
Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with both granulated sugar and brown sugar, along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Mix well, ensuring that the apples are evenly coated. Layer this apple mixture over the baked crust.
Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and flour. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping over the apple layer.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy your homemade apple pie bars!
Serving Tips:
Temperature: Serve the apple pie bars at room temperature for the best flavor. If you prefer them warm, you can gently heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Toppings: Enhance your serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add a lovely touch.
Presentation: Cut the bars into even squares for a neat presentation. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few apple slices for a decorative touch.
Pairings: These bars pair wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or apple cider, making them a perfect addition to autumn gatherings.
Storage Tips:
Cooling: Allow the apple pie bars to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.
Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. This will keep them fresh and help maintain their texture.
Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the apple pie bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. If you’d like, you can reheat them gently in the oven or microwave.
Cutting Before Freezing: If you plan to freeze the bars, it’s best to cut them into individual servings before freezing. This way, you can easily grab just one or two bars without needing to thaw the entire batch.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use different types of apples for the filling?
Yes! You can use a variety of apples for the filling. Popular options include Granny Smith for a tart flavor, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor profile. Just make sure to peel and slice them thinly for even cooking.
How do I know when the apple pie bars are done baking?
The apple pie bars are done baking when the apples are tender and the streusel topping is golden and crisp. You can check the apples by inserting a fork; they should be soft but not mushy. Baking typically takes about 30-35 minutes, but oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on them!
Can I make these apple pie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the apple pie bars a day ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. They also freeze well, so if you want to prepare them well in advance, wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What is the best way to store leftover apple pie bars?
To store leftover apple pie bars, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5-7 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the warm, spiced flavors of fall with these delicious Apple Pie Bars. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while offering the classic taste of apple pie in a convenient form. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the delightful combination of buttery crust, sweet apples, and crunchy topping in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with these delicious Apple Pie Bars. With a buttery shortbread crust, a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars capture all the essence of a classic apple pie in a convenient, easy-to-eat form. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a sweet treat at home, these Apple Pie Bars are sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the flour until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Layer the apple mixture over the baked crust.
- In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and flour. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden. Cool completely before cutting into bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions: Serve warm or at room temperature, with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 280 kcal
