Apple Pie Bars recipe
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Apple Pie Bars, a perfect fusion of classic apple pie and convenient handheld goodness. Bursting with the flavors of Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples, this dessert captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
The buttery, nut-studded crust provides a sturdy base, complementing the sweet and tart filling beautifully. With hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, these bars evoke a warm, nostalgic feeling, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, Apple Pie Bars are sure to impress both skeptics and enthusiasts alike. Elevate your dessert repertoire with this delightful recipe that brings the joy of apple pie into a convenient, sliceable form.
Apple Pie Bars Ingredients
In the world of Apple Pie Bars, each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the ultimate dessert experience.
Unsalted Butter lends a rich creaminess to the crust, creating a buttery base that melts in your mouth. Granulated and Brown Sugar harmonize to provide a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, while Vanilla Extract adds a warm, aromatic essence that elevates the overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour forms the structural backbone, ensuring the crust holds together beautifully. Kosher Salt enhances all the flavors, bringing out the natural sweetness of the apples.
The star of the show, Granny Smith and Golden Delicious Apples, deliver a delightful contrast of tartness and sweetness, infusing each bar with juicy, vibrant flavor. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice brightens the filling, enhancing the apples’ natural flavors.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg provide a cozy warmth, reminiscent of autumn, while Chopped Walnuts add a delightful crunch and richness, rounding out this irresistible treat.
Apple Pie Bars: Recipe Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQ
Recipe Tips
- Choose Your Apples Wisely: For the best flavor, use a combination of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples provide a tangy contrast, while Golden Delicious apples add a natural sweetness. This blend ensures a balanced filling that’s both flavorful and aromatic.
- Chill the Dough: After preparing the crust, don’t skip the refrigeration step. Chilling the dough for at least 20 minutes before baking helps the crust maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming too soft during baking. This simple step results in a flakier, sturdier base.
- Monitor Baking Times: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early to prevent over-baking. The topping should be golden brown and the filling bubbling slightly at the edges, signaling that your delicious Apple Pie Bars are ready to come out of the oven.
What to Serve with Apple Pie Bars
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect accompaniment to Apple Pie Bars. The cool, rich flavor of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apple filling, creating a delightful sensory experience.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the Apple Pie Bars adds a luxurious touch. The sweet, buttery flavor of the caramel complements the tartness of the apples, enhancing the overall dessert experience and making each bite even more indulgent.
- Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea pairs excellently with Apple Pie Bars. The warmth of the beverage balances the sweetness of the bars, making it an ideal treat for an afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with other apple varieties! However, it’s best to use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor. Some good alternatives include Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples. - How do I store leftover Apple Pie Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out. - What if I don’t have walnuts?
If you don’t have walnuts or prefer not to use nuts, you can omit them altogether or substitute with other nuts like pecans or almonds. Alternatively, consider using rolled oats for added texture without the nuts.
Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter at room temperature
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar lightly packed
- Pure vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Kosher salt
- Chopped walnuts
- Ground cinnamon
- For the Apple Filling:
- Granny Smith apples peeled, quartered, cored, and sliced 1/8 inch thick
- Golden Delicious apples peeled, quartered, cored, and sliced 1/8 inch thick
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Unsalted butter
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To prepare the crust, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and pure vanilla extract in the bowl of an electric mixer equipped with a paddle attachment. Beat these ingredients on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes, or until the mixture appears light and creamy. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter-sugar combination while the mixer is set to low speed. Continue mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Next, distribute two-thirds of the prepared dough in clumps across a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Using floured hands, gently press the dough down into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, approximately 1/2 inch high. Refrigerate this crust for 20 minutes. Once chilled, bake it in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Set aside to cool once baked.
- While the crust is cooling, return the remaining dough to the mixer. Add the chopped walnuts and ground cinnamon, mixing on low speed until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, and stir well to incorporate all ingredients. In a large pot (approximately 10 inches in diameter), melt the unsalted butter over medium to medium-low heat. Add the apple mixture to the pot and simmer, stirring frequently, for 12 to 15 minutes or until the apples become tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Spread the cooked apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Take pieces of the remaining dough and pinch them into medium-sized bits, then distribute these pieces evenly atop the apples—do not cover them entirely. Bake the assembled bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping turns a golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares.
