Buttery Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe
Introduction
Buttery Apple Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie with a convenient bar form. These bars feature a flaky crust and a warmly spiced apple filling, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a quick dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the crust by combining 2 cups of flour with half the butter and half the sugar, cutting the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
- Step 2: In a skillet, cook the sliced apples with the remaining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice over medium heat until the apples soften slightly and the mixture is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the prepared crust in the pan.
- Step 4: Mix the remaining ½ cup flour with the remaining butter to form a crumbly dough and sprinkle or gently press it on top of the apple layer.
- Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and firmer texture.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for extra crunch.
- For a sweeter topping, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the crust before baking.
Storage
Store the apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat bars gently in a microwave or warm oven to restore their flaky texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making the dough from scratch?
Yes, pre-made pie crust can be used for convenience. Simply press one crust into the pan for the base and layer the apple filling, then top with another crust or a crumb topping before baking.
What type of apples work best for these bars?
Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the sugar and spices.
PrintButtery Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe
These Buttery Apple Pie Bars feature a flaky, buttery crust layered with a sweet and spiced apple filling. Perfectly balanced with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice, these bars make an easy and delicious twist on traditional apple pie, ideal for sharing and enjoying as a handheld treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the crust dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about one-third of the dough for the topping, then press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust base.
- Cook the apple filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Crumble or press the reserved dough evenly over the top of the apple layer to form the topping.
- Bake until golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust and topping are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Make sure the butter is cold before mixing to achieve a flakier crust.
- Let the bars cool completely to prevent the filling from spilling when slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
Keywords: apple pie bars, apple dessert, flaky crust apple bars, buttery apple bars, easy apple dessert
