Elevate your dessert game with these delectable Flaky Apple Pie Bars. This recipe takes the classic flavors of apple pie and transforms them into portable, easy-to-enjoy bars. With a flaky crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a buttery crumble topping, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (use your favorite baking apples)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Form the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a rectangular disk.
- Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
- Take one of the chilled dough disks and roll it out on a floured surface to fit the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Make the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are well coated.
6. Assemble the Bars:
- Place the rolled-out crust in the bottom of the baking pan.
- Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the crust.
7. Add the Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to create a crumbly topping.
- Sprinkle the oat topping over the apple filling.
8. Top with Second Crust:
- Roll out the second chilled dough disk to fit the top of the bars.
- Carefully place it over the apple filling and press the edges to seal with the bottom crust.
9. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
10. Cool and Slice:
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 1 hour before slicing into squares or bars.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Flaky Apple Pie Bars as a delightful dessert, either warm or at room temperature.
Flaky Apple Pie Bars are a divine dessert that captures the essence of a traditional apple pie in a convenient and shareable form. They’re a crowd-pleaser thanks to their buttery crust, sweet and spiced apple filling, and crumbly oat topping. These bars are sure to disappear quickly, whether enjoyed as a treat for yourself or served at gatherings.