Apple Pie Bars
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Savor the comforting taste of homemade dessert with these delicious Apple Pie Bars. With a flaky, buttery crust layered with tender, spiced apples and topped with a crumbly streusel, these bars are a perfect combination of flavor and texture. Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night in, they capture the essence of classic apple pie in a fun, portable form.
The Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie. Bringing together the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples, these bars offer an easy way to enjoy all the tastes of fall.
Easy to Make and Delightful to Share
One of the great things about these Apple Pie Bars is their simplicity. With easy-to-follow steps, you don't need to be a baking expert to whip up a delicious dessert. Anyone can make these bars, whether you're an experienced baker or a complete novice. The combination of a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping makes them a foolproof choice for any occasion.
These bars are also perfect for sharing. Their portable nature allows you to cut them into squares and serve them easily at gatherings or potlucks. Everyone loves homemade desserts, and these Apple Pie Bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that disappear quickly. You can even package a few to share with friends, neighbors, or colleagues, spreading the joy of homemade baking.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're celebrating a holiday, hosting a family gathering, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these Apple Pie Bars are the ideal dessert. They capture the essence of traditional apple pie but in a more casual, easy-to-eat format. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them as is with a hot cup of coffee or tea—the pairing is heavenly.
Keep a batch of these bars on hand for unexpected guests or as a delightful sweet treat throughout the week. Their comforting flavor and satisfying texture make them versatile enough for any occasion, from festive celebrations to quiet evenings at home.
Flavorful Ingredients You Can Trust
The beauty of making Apple Pie Bars lies in the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh, in-season apples brings out vibrant flavors and natural sweetness, creating a filling that’s both flavorful and juicy. Choosing the right variety of apples, such as Granny Smith for a tart touch or Honeycrisp for sweetness, can enhance the overall taste of your bars significantly.
Additionally, the use of simple pantry staples like granulated sugar, brown sugar, and warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg allows you to create a nostalgic dessert without any artificial additives. These wholesome ingredients ensure that your Apple Pie Bars are not just tasty, but also made with care and quality in mind.
Ingredients
For the crust and topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
For the filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Mix these ingredients carefully before layering in the pan.
Instructions
Prepare the crust
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in oats and cinnamon. Press half of the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Make the filling
In another bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, lemon juice, spices, and cornstarch until well coated. Spread over the crust.
Add topping
Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the apple filling.
Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Enjoy your delicious apple pie bars!
Storage Tips
These Apple Pie Bars can be conveniently stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy them whenever your sweet tooth strikes. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
For longer storage, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy one (or more), simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to restore their original texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Pie Bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience further with some creative serving suggestions. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top adds a creamy balance to the spiced apple filling, creating a warm and cold contrast that's simply irresistible. Consider drizzling caramel sauce over the bars before serving for a touch of indulgence.
For a sophisticated twist, dust the bars with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream. You can even pair them with a spiced chai or apple cider for an autumn-inspired treat. The versatility of these bars allows you to tailor the presentation to fit any occasion or personal preference.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can substitute with other fruits such as pears or peaches.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Apple Pie Bars
Savor the comforting taste of homemade dessert with these delicious Apple Pie Bars. With a flaky, buttery crust layered with tender, spiced apples and topped with a crumbly streusel, these bars are a perfect combination of flavor and texture. Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night in, they capture the essence of classic apple pie in a fun, portable form.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the crust and topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
For the filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in oats and cinnamon. Press half of the mixture into a greased baking dish.
In another bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, lemon juice, spices, and cornstarch until well coated. Spread over the crust.
Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the apple filling.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g