Apple Pie Bars
Last weekend, Sarah had a little too much fun at her friend's birthday party, and by fun, I mean she refused to eat anything but cake. So when she asked for a comforting dessert that reminds her of Grandma’s apple pie but didn't require a pie dish, these Apple Pie Bars were the answer. They're the perfect balance of flaky crust and sweet apple filling, and they come together with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Plus, there's minimal cleanup compared to making a whole pie.
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Start your apple pie journey with another kitchen delight: our rich and citrusy Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe
When life gets hectic, this recipe for Apple Pie Bars becomes a true lifesaver. Its simplicity is unmatched—everything comes together with manageable steps and just two dishes to clean. What I love most is the joy they bring to our family table, mixing the sweetness of baked apples with a buttery crust. It's a nostalgic taste of homemade goodness, perfect for any day you want to treat your family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 7 apples, mixed varieties, peeled and diced
- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and butter or line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment or a large bowl using an electric mixer, combine the butter and sugars and mix at medium speed until light and creamy. Then add the vanilla and beat until combined.
- Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture on low speed and mix until a smooth, soft dough forms.
- Press ⅓ of the dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring equal thickness.
- Place the remaining dough in the refrigerator.
- Bake the base in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are a light golden brown.
- Peel, core, and slice apples to about ⅛th inch thick. Scatter the apples in a saucepan.
- Mix the apples with the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and lemon juice, then add the flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the apples release their juices and are cooked through.
- Combine the water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the hot apple mixture and continue cooking for an additional minute. Cool the mixture.
- Pour the apple filling over the crust and crumble the remaining dough (two-thirds of the dough) over top.
- Return the bars to the preheated oven and bake until the filling is bubbly and the topping is firm and lightly golden, about 25-30 minutes.
- Let it cool before cutting into squares.
Recipe tips & variations
These Apple Pie Bars are incredibly versatile. If you're out of one type of apple, mix and match with whatever you have. Adding a pinch of nutmeg elevates the flavor. For a richer taste, try browning the butter before mixing it with the sugars—Donald swears it makes everything taste like magic.
Storage & reheating
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re planning on keeping them around longer, pop them in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the bars in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to bring back the fresh-baked aroma and texture.
FAQs
What are the best apples to use for Apple Pie Bars?
A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is ideal. They balance each other and provide great texture.
Can I make Apple Pie Bars ahead of time and freeze them?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Be sure to bake the base until it’s golden and let the apple filling cool completely before assembly. Also, cooking the apples until they release their juices helps keep the crust crisp.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter in the crust?
Yes, just add an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Recipes you may like
If you're in the mood for more delightful treats, check out our Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost or the vibrant Pineapple Green Smoothie for a refreshing twist.
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Apple Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dessert that reminds you of Grandma’s apple pie in the form of easy-to-make bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 7 apples, mixed varieties, peeled and diced
- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and butter or line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment or a large bowl using an electric mixer, combine the butter and sugars and mix at medium speed until light and creamy. Then add the vanilla and beat until combined.
- Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture on low speed and mix until a smooth, soft dough forms.
- Press ⅓ of the dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring equal thickness.
- Place the remaining dough in the refrigerator.
- Bake the base in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are a light golden brown.
- Peel, core, and slice apples to about ⅛th inch thick. Scatter the apples in a saucepan.
- Mix the apples with the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and lemon juice, then add the flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the apples release their juices and are cooked through.
- Combine the water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the hot apple mixture and continue cooking for an additional minute. Cool the mixture.
- Pour the apple filling over the crust and crumble the remaining dough (two-thirds of the dough) over top.
- Return the bars to the preheated oven and bake until the filling is bubbly and the topping is firm and lightly golden, about 25-30 minutes.
- Let it cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- If you’re planning on keeping them around longer, pop them in the refrigerator.
- To reheat, place the bars in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
