Making these bars wasn’t just about the dessert—though, trust me, that was a big part of it! It took me back to my childhood, watching my mom and grandma bustling around the kitchen, peeling and chopping apples while chatting away. The house would fill with that irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, and we’d all eagerly await that first, delicious bite. Now, it’s become a bit of a tradition in my own home. Every fall, I find myself reaching for those Granny Smith apples and a trusty baking pan, eager to recreate those cherished memories.
The best part? These Apple Pie Bars are so easy to make, you really can’t go wrong. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this recipe is forgiving and yields impressive results. Plus, who can resist the allure of a homemade dessert that feels both nostalgic and satisfying? So, if you’re ready to bring some of that sweet, autumnal magic into your home, let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe. You’ll want to grab a plate and maybe a scoop of vanilla ice cream, because these bars are about to become a family favorite!
How to Make Apple Pie Bars
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup salted butter (226 grams, chilled, 2 sticks)
- 5 medium Granny Smith apples (750 grams, peeled and chopped)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (38 grams)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (8 grams)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (14 grams, from ½ lemon)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams, ¼ stick)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with butter for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Grate the chilled butter into the flour mixture. Use your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve ¾ cup of this mix.
- Press the rest into the bottom of your prepared pan, ensuring an even layer, and bake for about 20 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and cool.
- While the crust cools, create the apple filling: mix together the chopped apples, additional sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for 7-8 minutes until apples are tender and mixture thickens.
- Spread the apple mixture over the cooled crust evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the apples.
- Bake for another 23-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing them into pieces and serving.
Creative Substitutions to Suit Your Taste
If you find yourself without Granny Smith apples, feel free to use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter touch. Out of fresh lemon? Try a splash of apple cider vinegar! Gluten-free flour works as a swap for all-purpose flour, and if you’re short on butter, margarine or coconut oil can do the trick in a pinch.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars Last Longer
To keep your Apple Pie Bars fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. If you plan to enjoy them later, consider freezing the bars for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Apple Pie Bars
These bars are heavenly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy drink pairing, try a hot cup of apple cider or cinnamon-spiced tea. If you’re serving a crowd, consider pairing with a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar to complement the sweetness of the apples.
Cooking Hacks to Elevate Apple Pie Bars
For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture. To ensure your crust remains flaky, keep all ingredients cold, especially the butter. If you prefer a more caramelized topping, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on the crumb mixture before the final bake.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars Fit Any Time of Year
In the summer, swap apples for fresh peaches or berries for a seasonal twist. During winter, add a dash of cloves or allspice for a festive aroma. In spring, rhubarb pairs beautifully with apples for a tart and sweet combo that brightens up the dish.
FAQs:
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Apple Pie Bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure they’re stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. This makes them an excellent option for parties or gatherings when you want to have desserts ready to go.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and ability to hold shape when baked. However, you can experiment with other varieties such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a different flavor profile. Each type of apple brings its own unique taste and texture to the bars.
Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, you can use a different size pan, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary. If using a larger pan, the bars might be thinner and may require less time to bake. Conversely, a smaller pan will produce thicker bars that might need a bit more time in the oven.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture. This swap allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the deliciousness without any worries.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
Not to worry. You can grease the pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you have aluminum foil, that can be used as a lining alternative. Just be sure to grease the foil well before adding the crust, ensuring easy removal of the bars.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping can add a delightful crunch! Sprinkle them over the reserved crust mixture before the final bake for an added layer of texture and flavor. This modification works beautifully to elevate the overall taste of the bars.
Apple Pie Bars
Equipment
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- medium bowl
- saucepan
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup salted butter (226 grams, chilled, 2 sticks)
For the Filling:
- 5 medium Granny Smith apples (750 grams, peeled and chopped)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (38 grams)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (8 grams)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (14 grams, from ½ lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams, ¼ stick)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well.
For the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Grate the chilled salt and incorporate it into the mixture using your hands until it becomes crumbly. Reserve ¾ cup of this mix.
- Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to create a solid base.
- Bake for 20 minutes until it achieves a golden brown color, then remove from the oven and let cool.
For the Filling:
- While the crust cools, prepare the filling by mixing the chopped apples with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and then add the apple mixture. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until the apples become tender and the mixture thickens.
- Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the baked crust.
- Top the apples with the reserved crust mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 23-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares to serve.
- For an added delight, serve these delicious bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
