Apple Pie Bars
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the delightful flavors of classic apple pie in a convenient and portable form with these scrumptious Apple Pie Bars. Perfectly spiced and layered with a buttery crumb topping, these bars make for an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a sweet snack throughout the day!
Apple Pie Bars are a delightful treat that brings the taste of classic apple pie to a new and convenient format. These bars are a great way to savor the flavors of apples and cinnamon with a buttery crumb topping.
A Delicious Twist on Tradition
Apple pie is a beloved American classic, often associated with family gatherings and festive holidays. With these Apple Pie Bars, you can enjoy all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie, but in a more manageable and portable form. This recipe cleverly transforms the iconic dessert into delightful bars that are perfect for sharing, picnics, or simply savoring at home.
In each bar, you’ll find a harmonious blend of sweet and tart apples, perfectly balanced spices, and a crumbly topping that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, these Apple Pie Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to create a delicious dessert that will impress everyone.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Apple Pie Bars are versatile and suitable for various occasions. They are great for casual get-togethers with friends, birthday parties, or even as a cute dessert option for holiday celebrations. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pair them with freshly whipped cream for a delightful treat that everyone will love.
Not only are these bars delicious, but they also make fantastic gifts during the holiday season. Imagine presenting a beautifully baked tray of Apple Pie Bars wrapped in festive packaging! It’s a personal touch that your friends and family will surely appreciate, adding special memories to your time spent together.
Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Bars
To ensure your Apple Pie Bars are a success, choose the right variety of apples. Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best, as they hold their shape during baking while providing a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the filling. Mixing different apple varieties can also enhance the flavor complexity.
For an extra layer of flavor, don’t hesitate to add in your favorite nuts or dried fruits to the filling. Walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch, while raisins or cranberries can give a sweet surprise. Additionally, make sure to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner squares, making them even more presentable!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
For the Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 3 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Mix and prepare your ingredients for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Apple Pie Bars:
Prepare the Crust
In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
Make the Filling
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Spread the apple mixture over the crust in the baking pan.
Add Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the apples. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Serve your delicious Apple Pie Bars with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
Storage Recommendations
To keep your Apple Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
You can also freeze these bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or leave them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Pie Bars are wonderful on their own, but elevating them with toppings can take your dessert experience to the next level. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add an enticing touch that transforms the presentation and flavor. You may also consider adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
For a fun twist, try pairing these bars with a cup of hot apple cider or a warm spiced chai tea. The cozy flavors complement each other beautifully, making for an excellent way to unwind after a long day or enjoy during crisp autumn evenings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought crust for these bars?
Yes, you can use store-bought crust for convenience, but homemade offers the best flavor.
→ How can I store leftover bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Apple Pie Bars
Experience the delightful flavors of classic apple pie in a convenient and portable form with these scrumptious Apple Pie Bars. Perfectly spiced and layered with a buttery crumb topping, these bars make for an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a sweet snack throughout the day!
Created by: Anna Johnson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 3 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Spread the apple mixture over the crust in the baking pan.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the apples. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 2g