Description
These Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery crumbly crust layered with a spiced golden delicious apple filling, baked to golden perfection. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they combine the flavors of a classic apple pie in a convenient bar form, ideal for dessert or snacks.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 3/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar (break up any clumps)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes
Apple Filling
- 2 lbs. firm golden delicious apples, peeled, cored and chopped (about 6 cups), at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1/2 medium lemon)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 13 by 9-inch metal baking dish and line it with two sheets of parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on all sides for easy removal. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Egg and Vanilla: In a small bowl, whisk the large egg with the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Cut in Butter and Egg Mixture: Add the cold, cubed butter and the egg-vanilla mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or food processor to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer this crust mixture to the refrigerator to chill.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: Peel, core, and chop the apples. In a separate bowl, toss the apples with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and lemon zest ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Form Bottom Crust: Remove the crust mixture from the fridge. Press half of it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base crust layer.
- Add Apple Filling: Spread the prepared apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust layer. Pour out any excess juices from the bowl before layering the apples to avoid sogginess.
- Top with Crumble: Crumble the remaining half of the crust mixture over the apple layer, breaking it into small clumps and pressing lightly to secure the topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender (test with a toothpick if needed).
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before cutting into squares. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; note the texture will soften but flavor remains delicious.
Notes
- For best results, use firm, golden delicious apples to ensure the filling holds shape but becomes tender.
- Using cold butter and chilling the crust mixture helps create a tender, crumbly texture.
- If parchment paper is not available, grease and flour the baking dish thoroughly.
- These bars soften after a day in the fridge but are still tasty; reheat briefly if you prefer a warmed dessert.
- You can substitute spices to taste, but the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice provides classic apple pie flavor.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
