Introduction:
Experience the comforting taste of apple pie in a convenient, handheld bar! These Flaky Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery, tender crust, a luscious spiced apple filling, and a delightfully crisp, crumbly topping. Perfect for autumn gatherings or an anytime treat, they capture all the cozy flavors of fall in every bite.
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 40 minutes
⏲ Total Time: 1 hour
🍽 Servings: 12 bars
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~300 kcal (approx.)
🍏 Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 🥣 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🧈 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 🍬 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
- 💧 2–3 tbsp ice water (as needed)
For the Apple Filling:
- 🍎 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 🍬 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 🌿 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 🌰 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 🥄 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 🍦 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the Flaky Topping:
- 🥣 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🧈 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 🍬 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
- 🌿 Optional: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
📝 Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough just comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until well coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Make the Flaky Topping:
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup flour, brown sugar, salt, and (if using) cinnamon.
- Add the cold butter cubes and cut them in using a pastry cutter or fork until a crumbly, sandy texture forms.
- Evenly sprinkle this topping over the apple filling.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbly and tender.
- If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool & Slice:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Using the parchment overhang, lift the entire slab out and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 bars and enjoy!
🤩 Why You’ll Love These Flaky Apple Pie Bars:
- All the Flavors of Fall: Enjoy the perfect blend of spiced apples, buttery crust, and a crisp topping that embodies autumn comfort.
- Convenient & Portable: A handheld treat that’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a cozy snack on the go.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Adjust spices or add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra texture.
💡 Tips:
- Chill for Best Results: Let the crust chill before assembling to help it hold together when baked.
- Apple Choice: Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the sweetness, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Glaze Option: For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of lemon juice once cooled.
Enjoy your Flaky Apple Pie Bars—a delightful, fall-inspired treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious!