These Apple Bars are the perfect combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery crust. Topped with a simple glaze, they’re a delicious dessert or snack for any time of year, but especially during apple season! ❤️
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 🍞 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🍬 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 🥄 1/4 cup cold water
For the Apple Filling:
- 🍎 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 🍬 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 🌿 1 tsp cinnamon
- 🌿 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 🥄 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 🥄 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 🍬 1 cup powdered sugar
- 🥛 2-3 tbsp milk
- 🥄 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Make the Crust and Topping:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Divide the dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Reserve the other half for the topping.
3️⃣ Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour until evenly coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
4️⃣ Add the Topping:
- Crumble the reserved dough over the apples to create a streusel-like topping.
5️⃣ Bake:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
6️⃣ Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled apple bars.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Slice into squares and serve. These bars are perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! 🍴
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting Flavors: Warm spices and sweet apples in every bite.
- Buttery Crust: The perfect balance of tender and crisp.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Great for dessert, breakfast, or a midday snack.
Enjoy these delightful Apple Bars with a cup of coffee or tea and savor the taste of fall! 🍎✨🍂