Delicious Apple Pie Bars Recipe - Easy & Irresistible!
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these simple yet mouthwatering Apple Pie Bars that pack all the flavors of traditional apple pie into a convenient, easy-to-make treat. Perfectly spiced and featuring a buttery crust, these bars are ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or any cozy autumn day. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience!
These Apple Pie Bars are the perfect combination of flavors and textures, capturing the essence of traditional apple pie in a bar form. They've quickly become a favorite in my household, especially during the fall season.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Apple Pie Bars are not just a seasonal treat; they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, a cozy family dinner, or simply wishing to enjoy a sweet slice of nostalgia, these bars are an ideal choice. The combination of warm spices, tender apples, and a buttery crust creates a dessert that appeals to both young and old alike. Serve them at birthday parties, holidays, or even as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea – everyone will love them!
Their easy-to-make nature also makes them an excellent option for impromptu gatherings. You can whip up the mixture in no time, and the baking process fills your home with a delightful aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come. With minimal prep time and ingredients, you can take a classic favorite and reinvent it in a way that’s both convenient and delicious.
Variations and Tips
While this recipe captures the essence of traditional apple pie, feel free to get creative! Consider adding cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for a burst of extra flavor. Nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a crunchy texture to contrast with the soft apples. If you prefer a different spice profile, try incorporating cardamom or ginger for a unique twist. The beauty of these bars lies in their versatility, so don't hesitate to personalize them according to your taste!
To enhance the flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples complement each other beautifully, balancing sweetness with a tangy bite. Also, remember to let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps them hold their shape and makes for cleaner, more appealing slices. For an added touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ingredients
For the crust and topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the filling
- 3 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare crust
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly.
Press crust into dish
Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add apple filling
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture over the crust.
Add topping
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples.
Bake
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cool and serve
Allow to cool before slicing into bars. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.
Enjoy your delicious apple pie bars!
Storing Your Apple Pie Bars
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is always a possibility!), storing these Apple Pie Bars is a breeze. Simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume them within a day or two. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them. They can last up to a week in the fridge, and you can reheat individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds when you're ready to indulge again.
For extended shelf life, consider freezing them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired. Enjoy these delicious treats even weeks later by taking advantage of proper storage methods.
Nutritional Information
When you're treating yourself to dessert, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in. These Apple Pie Bars offer a delightful combination of flavors without being overly indulgent. Each serving provides a satisfying amount of dietary fiber thanks to the apples, and the whole recipe can be made with minimal refined sugar, especially if you opt for less sugar in the filling or use natural sweeteners.
Nonetheless, moderation is key, as scrumptious as they are. Consider pairing your bar with a protein-rich snack like a handful of nuts if you're looking for a balanced treat. Regardless of the nutritional profile, these bars will always be a welcome sight on your dessert table!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or berries for different flavors.
→ How do I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Delicious Apple Pie Bars Recipe - Easy & Irresistible!
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these simple yet mouthwatering Apple Pie Bars that pack all the flavors of traditional apple pie into a convenient, easy-to-make treat. Perfectly spiced and featuring a buttery crust, these bars are ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or any cozy autumn day. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience!
Created by: Chelsea Payne
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 granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the filling
- 3 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly.
Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture over the crust.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Allow to cool before slicing into bars. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g