Apple Pie Bars

ByMadison Rae
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Apple Pie Bars

There’s something undeniably comforting about the fragrance of baked apples and spices wafting through your kitchen. Apple Pie Bars take the classic flavors of traditional apple pie and turn them into a convenient, hand-held treat. With layers of buttery crust and a sweet apple filling, these bars are perfect for gathering around with family or adding a little sweetness to your day!

Why Make This Recipe

  • Easy to Serve: Apple Pie Bars are much simpler to handle than a traditional pie, making them an ideal choice for parties and potlucks.
  • Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a great way to celebrate fall or to enjoy a cozy dessert any time of the year.
  • Deliciously Nostalgic: They bring the homey essence of grandma’s kitchen right to your table, making it the ideal treat for cherished memories.

This recipe stands out not just for its delightful flavors but also for its simplicity and approachability. Every bite evokes warm memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations, allowing you to enjoy the best of apple pie in a new form.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Pie Bars

Creating your very own Apple Pie Bars at home is straightforward and fun. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your baking experience is enjoyable and rewarding.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): This is an essential first step to ensure your bars bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color.

  2. Grease your baking pan: Use a 9×13 inch baking pan and lightly grease it to prevent your bars from sticking.

  3. Prepare the crust mixture: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients well.

  4. Add butter: Add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter to the dry mixture and mix until it becomes crumbly.

  5. Reserve part of the mixture: Set aside 1 cup of the crumbly mixture for topping later.

  6. Create the base: Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will form a solid foundation for your apple filling.

  7. Prepare the apple filling: In another bowl, mix 2 cups of peeled and diced apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Ensure the apples are well coated with the spices.

  8. Layer the apples: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.

  9. Top it off: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apple filling, creating a delicious topping that will bake to golden perfection.

  10. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

  11. Cool and slice: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

  12. Enjoy: Serve these delightful Apple Pie Bars warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for any occasion!

Apple Pie Bars

Keeping Apple Pie Bars Fresh

To enjoy your Apple Pie Bars at their best, it’s important to know how to store them properly. Here’s how you can keep them fresh:

  • Storage Temperature: Keep your bars at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
  • Refrigeration: If longer storage is needed, place the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Freezing: For up to 3 months, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.

This ensures that you can enjoy a delightful treat even days after baking!

Best Ways to Serve Apple Pie Bars

When it comes to serving your Apple Pie Bars, there are countless delightful options:

  • A la Mode: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
  • Drizzle of Caramel: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top to elevate the flavors.
  • With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A sprinkle of powdered sugar not only enhances the presentation but also adds a touch of sweetness.

Each serving option enhances the flavors and charm of these delicious bars, making them suitable for any gathering.

Tips to Make Apple Pie Bars

  • Use Fresh Apples: Freshly diced apples yield the best flavor; Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.
  • Spice it Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices – adding a touch of ginger or allspice can add depth to your filling.
  • Chill Your Dough: If you find the dough a bit too soft to work with, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before pressing it in the pan.

These tips will help you achieve the best texture, flavor, and overall enjoyment from your Apple Pie Bars!

Variations and Substitutions

There are many ways to alter this recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some suggestions:

  • Nut Additions: Walnuts or pecans added to the apple mixture can provide extra texture and richness.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.

These variations allow you to customize the Apple Pie Bars to suit your palate perfectly!

FAQs

Q: Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
A: Yes! Pears or cherries can also work beautifully, offering a twist on the classic flavor.

Q: How can I make these bars more decadent?
A: Consider adding a layer of cream cheese frosting on top or serve them with a rich caramel drizzle.

Q: What if I want to make a smaller batch?

  • A: You can easily halve the recipe and use an 8×8 inch baking pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Baking Apple Pie Bars is a delightful way to create a warm, inviting treat that everyone will love. Their beautiful layers and comforting flavors ensure they fit perfectly into any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a quiet afternoon at home. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

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Apple Pie Bars

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Apple Pie Bars take classic apple pie flavors and transform them into convenient, hand-held treats with layers of buttery crust and sweet apple filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  3. In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.
  4. Add butter to the dry mixture and mix until crumbly.
  5. Set aside 1 cup of the crumbly mixture for topping later.
  6. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the greased baking pan.
  7. In another bowl, mix the apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated.
  8. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
  9. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apple filling.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.
  12. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For added flavor, serve with vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: apple pie, dessert, baking, fall dessert, hand-held treat

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Hi there—I’m Madison Rae, but everyone just calls me Maddy. I’m 38 years old, born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, and these days I run a small but lively kitchen tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My hands smell like garlic more often than not, and my happiest moments are when I’m elbow-deep in a pot of something simmering, rich, and a little unpredictable.

I didn’t grow up in a culinary family. My mom was a school librarian, and my dad fixed motorcycles. But there was always food around—big Sunday breakfasts, church potlucks, and neighbors dropping off casseroles “just because.” I learned early that food isn’t just nourishment—it’s connection, comfort, and sometimes, even courage. My first real foray into cooking came when I was twelve and decided to surprise my parents with shrimp and grits. The grits were lumpy, the shrimp rubbery, and I mistook cayenne for paprika, but they smiled and ate every bite. That night, something clicked—I could feed people, really feed them.

After college, I worked every job you can imagine—hostess, barista, pastry assistant, line cook—anything to stay close to the heat. I eventually studied at the Culinary Institute of America, but honestly, most of my learning happened shoulder-to-shoulder with folks who’d been cooking long before me, in diners, food trucks, and open-air barbecues. I’ve burnt things, over-salted plenty, and once accidentally lit a towel on fire during a catering gig (don’t ask). But each mistake made me better—and more humble.

These days, my cooking leans rustic with Southern roots, but I’m always pulling in new flavors. I’ve fallen in love with Korean gochujang, Moroccan preserved lemons, and the slow joy of making pasta by hand. I don’t believe in rules for the sake of rules—just respect for ingredients, patience, and a willingness to taste as you go.

I write my own recipes now, but more importantly, I try to make cooking feel doable. Whether you’ve got a pantry full of spices or just salt and pepper, there’s always something beautiful you can create. I want home cooks to know they don’t have to be perfect. Just curious. Just hungry. Just willing to try.

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the culinary world. If you’re looking for hearty food, honest stories, and the occasional kitchen mishap, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking.

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