The Coziest Apple Pie Bars Recipe for Sweet Fall Comfort

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my apple pie bars, promising a nostalgic dessert that captures comfort in every delectable bite.

Buttery pastry crumbles alongside tender fruit, creating a harmonious blend of warmth and tradition.

Cinnamon whispers childhood stories across layers of golden crust and soft apples.

Homemade goodness emerges from simple ingredients, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

Baking becomes an art form when passion meets precision in this delightful treat.

Friends will marvel at your culinary skills and request seconds before finishing their first slice.

Grab a fork and indulge in pure happiness.

Beverage and Snack Pairings for Apple Pie Bars

• Perfectly Pair Sweet Apple Pie Bars with Complementary Flavors
• Enhance Creamy Vanilla Scoop: Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each warm apple pie bar, creating a delightful temperature contrast and smooth creamy texture.
• Warm Spiced Beverage Match: Brew a hot chai tea or mulled cider to complement the cinnamon notes in the dessert, highlighting the warm autumnal spices and creating a cozy drinking experience.
• Caramel Drizzle Companion: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the bars just before serving, intensifying the apple's sweetness and adding a luxurious rich undertone that elevates the entire dessert.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch that adds depth and provides a subtle earthy counterpoint to the sweet apple filling.

Flavor Upgrades for Your Apple Pie Bars Experience

• Gluten-Free Oasis: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture.
• Vegan Victory: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of regular egg to transform the recipe into a plant-based treat without compromising flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia and use tart green apples to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic apple pie essence.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the crust mixture to add extra protein and create a more textured, nutty profile for the apple bars.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best flavor and texture in your pie bars.

• Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

While not mandatory, parchment paper makes removing and cutting the bars much easier. It prevents sticking and helps you lift the entire batch out of the pan cleanly without breaking.

• How can I tell if the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and edges that are slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan. The crust should look set and dry, not wet or doughy. A light golden color indicates the bars are done.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them at room temperature. They actually taste great when the flavors have had time to meld together overnight.

Apple Pie Bars: What Makes Them a Year-Round Favorite

• Packed with warm cinnamon and sweet apples, these bars deliver the ultimate fall comfort food experience that'll make your kitchen smell amazing.
• Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or a simple dessert, these bars are easily transportable and appeal to both kids and adults with their classic flavors.
• Using simple ingredients and requiring just a single baking dish, these bars come together quickly, giving you maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Gathering Ingredients for Delectable Apple Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pie bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the crust.
• Baking Powder: Helps the crust rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates a flaky and tender crust with rich flavor.
• Egg: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds richness.

• Apples: The star ingredient that provides a sweet and slightly tart flavor with a soft, tender texture.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note to the filling.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic fall spice flavor to the apple filling.

• Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Provides extra sweetness and aroma to complement the pie bars.

How to Assemble and Bake Perfect Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it completely with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal.

Preheat the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Step 2: Create the Magical Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs.

Crack in a fresh egg and mix until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Spice Up the Apple Filling

• Fresh crisp apples (peeled and diced)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Gently mix the ingredients so each apple piece gets coated with the zesty flavors.

Step 4: Build the Pie Bar Foundation

Press about half of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.

Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the crust, making sure to distribute the apples completely.

Step 5: Add the Crumbly Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the apple layer, creating a rustic, bumpy top that will turn golden and crispy while baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color across the top and edges.

The aroma of warm cinnamon and baked apples will fill your kitchen.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire batch out of the pan.

Slice into squares or rectangles, creating perfect handheld treats that capture the essence of fall.

Tips to Achieve the Right Texture in Every Apple Pie Bar

• Use a pastry cutter or cold fingers to work butter into flour mixture, creating a crumbly texture that ensures a flaky, tender crust.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your bars.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts under the apple filling to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp crust.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set and prevent crumbling, ensuring clean, neat squares.
• Enhance the apple filling with a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth and warmth.

Storing Apple Pie Bars for Long-Lasting Freshness

• Place cooled apple pie bars in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and taste.
• Let bars sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours, then transfer to the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and maintain quality.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp crust and warm, gooey center.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet homemade Apple Pie Bars bring classic American dessert comfort to your kitchen. Crisp pastry layers, fragrant cinnamon, and juicy apples create a delightful treat you’ll savor with pure baking joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancer:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform base mixture.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Fold the egg into the crumbly mixture, gently blending until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
5. Dice apples into uniform small cubes and immediately toss with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
6. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the apple pieces, thoroughly coating each cube for consistent flavor distribution.
7. Transfer half the crust mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly to create a compact foundation.
8. Spread the seasoned apple mixture uniformly across the first crust layer, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Crumble the remaining crust dough over the apple layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
10. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and edges become crisp.
11. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cutting into elegant squares.

Notes

• Chill butter beforehand to ensure a flakier, more tender crust that crumbles perfectly when mixed.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness and firmer texture that holds up during baking.
• Sprinkle a bit of nutmeg or cardamom with cinnamon for a deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the classic apple pie taste.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining the same measurements and mixing technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg