Apple Pie Bars
These Apple Pie Bars are an easy homemade dessert with a flaky butter crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a handheld bar format that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour I like King Arthur
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes (Challenge or Kerrygold)
- 4 medium apples peeled, cored, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (prevents browning)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter (or five quick pulses in a food processor), work butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even ¼-inch crust. Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn light golden.
- Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the warm crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples, covering gaps. Press gently to poke the streusel into the filling.
- Return to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling bubbles at the edges and the top turns golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Choose firm, tart apples to keep the filling from turning mushy. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal
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