Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Apple Pie Bars combine the comforting taste of classic apple pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping, these bars are perfect for dessert or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

• 8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 1 tsp. cinnamon (for filling)
• 3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature (for crust)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for crust)
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (for crust)
• Pinch salt (for crust)
• 3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats, for streusel)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed (for streusel)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with butter.
2. Step 2: Prepare the crust by beating the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This can be done using a mixer or by hand.
3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until well combined.
5. Step 5: Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared pan. Spread it evenly and press firmly, making sure to press the edges down as well.
6. Step 6: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
7. Step 7: While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling by stirring together the sliced apples, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tbsp. flour, and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
8. Step 8: Prepare the streusel topping by combining the rolled oats, brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in a large bowl.
9. Step 9: Cut in the cold cubed butter using your hands or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
10. Step 10: Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread the apple filling evenly over it.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples and press down lightly.
12. Step 12: Bake for an additional 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
13. Step 13: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling.
• If you prefer a softer topping, reduce the oats by half and increase the flour accordingly.
• Substitute the granulated sugar in the filling with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.

Storage

Store the apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, frozen apples can be used but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the filling ingredients to avoid a soggy crust.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the crust, filling, and streusel. Ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free as well.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 131 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Apple Pie Bars featuring a buttery crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping. Perfect for dessert or a cozy snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch salt

Apple Filling

• 8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Streusel Topping

• 3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, using a mixer or by hand.
3. Combine dry ingredients for crust: In a separate small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Mix crust dough: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined into a dough.
5. Press crust into pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, pressing firmly especially along the edges.
6. Bake crust: Bake the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes until slightly set.
7. Prepare apple filling: While the crust is baking, stir together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
8. Make streusel topping: In another large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon.
9. Incorporate butter into streusel: Cut the cold butter into the oat mixture using clean hands or a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
10. Assemble bars: Spread the apple filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust. Then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples and press lightly to adhere.
11. Bake the bars: Return the assembled pan to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
12. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to ensure clean slices.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier filling, or a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
• If you prefer a crumbly streusel, do not press the topping too hard before baking.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling.
• These bars can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Warm the bars slightly before serving and enjoy with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a special treat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Apple pie bars, apple dessert, easy apple bars, baked apple dessert, streusel topping, fall dessert, fruit bars