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Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars
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Apple Pie Bars capture the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple pie in a convenient, easy-to-make bar form. Featuring a crunchy, buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a golden crumb topping, these bars are perfect as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they offer a delicious and satisfying treat that’s easy to slice, share, and enjoy any time.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust and Topping

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Cold Butter (cut into small cubes)

Apple Filling

  • 4 large Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for apple coating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust and Topping: Combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve half of this mixture to sprinkle over the top later.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. Toss the apples with lemon juice, vanilla extract, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until evenly coated. This mixture creates a sweet, thick, and flavorful apple filling.
  3. Assemble the Bars: Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined or greased baking dish to form the crust layer. Spread the apple filling evenly over this crust. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top to create a crispy and golden topping.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Bake the Apple Pie Bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling through. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to help them hold their shape.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the ideal balance of sweetness and tang.
  • Keep the butter cold to ensure a flaky and crisp crumb topping.
  • Do not skip the lemon juice; it prevents the apples from browning and adds brightness.
  • Chill the bars before slicing to achieve clean and neat slices.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend containing xanthan gum.
  • Optional: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
  • To reduce sugar, decrease both granulated and brown sugar by a quarter without losing flavor.
  • For vegan adaptation, use coconut oil or vegan butter and replace sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple Pie Bars, Apple Dessert, Cinnamon Apple Bars, Easy Apple Bars, Gluten-Free Apple Bars, Fall Dessert

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/apple-pie-bars/