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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Combine dry ingredients for crust: In a separate small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix crust dough: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined into a dough.
- Press crust into pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, pressing firmly especially along the edges.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes until slightly set.
- 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.
- Make streusel topping: In another large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon.
- Incorporate butter into streusel: Cut the cold butter into the oat mixture using clean hands or a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
