Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These flaky apple pie bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a spiced apple filling, creating a delightful twist on classic apple pie. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they offer all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 to 5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A pinch of ground cloves
• Optional glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
3. Step 3: Firmly press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples.
6. Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
7. Step 7: For the optional glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach drizzling consistency.
8. Step 8: Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor and texture.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
• Replace the optional glaze with a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

Storage

Store the apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples work best for texture and flavor, but if using frozen apples, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the bars.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Pre-baking the crust before adding the apple filling helps it stay crisp. Also, tossing the apples in flour absorbs excess juice, preventing sogginess.

Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews

Delightfully flaky Apple Pie Bars with a buttery crust, warmly spiced apple filling, and an optional sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for a comforting dessert or snack that combines the classic flavors of apple pie in an easy-to-serve bar form.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 to 5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A pinch of ground cloves

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the crust and topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
3. Prepare the crust: Firmly press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the apple filling: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly coated.
5. Assemble the bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples.
6. Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
7. Prepare the optional glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more as needed), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
8. Serve: Once the glaze has set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Notes

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and texture.
• The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and finishing touch.
• Make sure the butter is well chilled for flakier crust and topping.
• Let the bars cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: apple pie bars, flaky crust, apple dessert, baked apple bars, cinnamon apple bars, easy apple dessert