Description
If you’re craving a delicious and easy dessert, these flaky apple pie bars are a perfect choice! They combine the classic flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home. With a buttery crust and a spiced apple filling, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a food processor, pulse together flour and granulated sugar. Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the Crust: Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well coated.
- Layer the Apples: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
- Thicken the Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and apple cider. Cook until thick, then stir in vanilla. Pour this mixture over the apple layer.
- Top with Crumble: Crumble the remaining flour mixture on top of the apple layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool before slicing into squares.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 220 kcal per bar
Servings: 18 bars
Notes
Serving Tips
- Serving Size: Cut the bars into 18 equal pieces for perfect portions. They are great for sharing!
- Garnish: For an extra touch, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top can also enhance the flavor.
- Pairing: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate the bars for up to a week. They may taste even better chilled!
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy the bars warm after refrigeration or freezing, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Following these tips will help you keep your flaky apple pie bars fresh and delicious!