Apple pie is a beloved dessert that evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth, often associated with family gatherings and cozy evenings. But what if you could take the essence of that classic apple pie and transform it into something even easier to serve and enjoy? Enter apple pie bars! These delicious treats combine the comforting flavors of spiced apples and buttery crust in a convenient bar format, making them perfect for any occasion.
Why We Love This Apple Pie Bars Recipe
There’s something special about apple pie bars that sets them apart from traditional apple pie. First off, their easy-to-handle format allows you to cut them into neat squares, making them perfect for parties or as a grab-and-go treat. Additionally, the buttery crust complements the tartness of the apples beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Made with a combination of spices, these bars offer a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake, wrapping you in a warm embrace of comforting scents.
One of the best things about this apple pie bar recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream, or serve them cold as a satisfying snack. They make an excellent dessert for any season, whether you’re savoring them during the cooler months or serving them at summer barbecues. Plus, they are a great way to use up any apples you have on hand, giving you the opportunity to mix and match different apple varieties for a custom taste.
Ingredients for Apple Pie Bars
To create these delicious apple pie bars, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that come together to form a delightful treat. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 2 cups salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 7 apples, mixed varieties, peeled and diced
- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ lemon, juiced (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
This combination of ingredients creates a delicious balance between the rich buttery crust and sweet, spiced apple filling. Let’s explore how to bring this all together.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars Directions
Making apple pie bars is a straightforward process that requires some mixing and baking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recreate this delightful dessert:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your bars cook evenly and develop the perfect golden crust.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Use a 9×13 baking dish, butter it generously, or line it with parchment paper for easy release after baking.
Make the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, or using a large bowl with an electric mixer, combine the room-temperature salted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Blend these ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is light and creamy. Next, add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, blending it until a smooth, soft dough forms. This dough will serve as the base and topping for your pie bars.
First Layer: Take about one-third of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire base, creating a crust for your apple filling. Place the remaining dough in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for it to turn light golden brown at the edges. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Prepare the Apple Filling: While the crust is cooling, it’s time to prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and slice the mixed varieties of apples. In a large pan over medium heat, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and lemon juice. Stir these ingredients together and cook, allowing the apples to release their juices and become tender.
Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the apple filling, stirring continuously while cooking for an additional minute until the filling thickens slightly.
Assemble the Bars: Pour the apple filling over the baked crust, distributing it evenly. Now, take the remaining dough from the refrigerator and crumble it on top of the apple filling. This will create a lovely, textured topping.
Final Bake: Return the assembled dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
Cool and Cut: Allow your apple pie bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps them set up nicely and makes them easier to serve.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bars
Once your apple pie bars have cooled down and you’ve cut them into perfect squares, it’s time to serve them! These bars can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile dessert option. Here are a few ideas for serving:
Warm with Ice Cream: Serve your apple pie bars warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, spiced apple filling and cool, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a nice visual appeal and a touch of sweetness.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the bars for an extra layer of flavor. The rich caramel pairs perfectly with the sweet and spiced apples.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: These bars make a great accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage. Serve them alongside a strong cup of coffee or herbal tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Serve at Parties: These apple pie bars are perfect for gatherings and parties. Arrange them on a dessert table alongside other treats for a sweet spread that everyone will enjoy.
Expert Tips: Apple Pie Bars
To ensure your apple pie bars turn out perfectly each time, consider these expert tips:
Choose the Right Apples: Mixing different apple varieties can enhance the flavor and texture of your filling. Try using a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, for the best results.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste and the variety of apples you use, you may want to adjust the sugar levels in both the crust and filling. Feel free to taste the filling as you go and adjust accordingly.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When making the dough, avoid overmixing once you add the flour. This helps keep your crust tender instead of tough.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: For the best presentation, allow your apple pie bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape and gives you clean cuts without crumbling.
Try Different Spices: While cinnamon and ginger are classic spices for apple dessert recipes, consider experimenting with nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.
How to Store Apple Pie Bars
If you have any leftover apple pie bars (though they’re likely to disappear quickly!), you can store them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to do it:
At Room Temperature: Store any cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator, where they can last for about a week. Just be sure to seal them tightly to maintain freshness.
Freezing: You can also freeze apple pie bars for future enjoyment. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Variation of Apple Pie Bars
While the classic apple pie bar recipe is absolutely delicious, there are plenty of ways to jazz it up and make it your own. Here are some variations to consider:
Caramel Apple Pie Bars: For a decadent twist, add caramel sauce to the apple filling or drizzle it over the bars once they’re baked.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the crust or sprinkle them over the apple filling before adding the crumble topping for added crunch.
Add Raisins or Dried Cranberries: For a chewy texture, consider adding raisins or dried cranberries to the apple filling. This will enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
Pumpkin Spice Version: During the fall season, mix in some pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices with your apples for a unique seasonal treat.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix to create gluten-free apple pie bars. Ensure all ingredients you choose are gluten-free to maintain the dessert’s compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are apple pie bars?
Apple pie bars are a convenient dessert that combines the delicious flavors of apple pie in a bar format. They typically feature a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumble topping, making them easy to cut and serve.
How do I make apple pie bars?
To make apple pie bars, prepare a dough with butter, sugars, and flour. Bake a portion as a crust, make a filling with spiced apples, and top it with a crumble before baking it all together until bubbly and golden.
Can I use frozen apples for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples in your filling. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking them, as frozen apples may contain more liquid than fresh ones.
How long do apple pie bars last?
When stored properly, apple pie bars can last up to 2 days at room temperature, a week in the refrigerator, or up to three months in the freezer.
What is the best way to serve apple pie bars?
Apple pie bars can be served warm with ice cream, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with caramel sauce. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea and make excellent desserts for gatherings.
Apple Pie Bars
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Stand mixer or electric mixer
Ingredients
- 2 cups salted butter room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 7 pieces mixed variety apples peeled and diced
- 4 tsp all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 lemon juiced (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a stand mixer, combine room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Mix until light and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms. Reserve about one-third of the dough for topping.
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until light golden brown.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In a large pan over medium heat, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and lemon juice. Cook until the apples are tender.
- In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Add this to the apple mixture and cook for an additional minute until thickened.
- Pour the apple filling over the baked crust and crumble the reserved dough on top.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
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