Apple Pie Bars
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the delightful taste of fall with these easy-to-make Apple Pie Bars. These scrumptious bars feature a buttery crust layered with tender, spiced apples, creating a comforting dessert that combines the best of traditional apple pie with the convenience of a bar. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family treat, these Apple Pie Bars are sure to be a hit!
Discover the joy of baking with these Apple Pie Bars, a delightful twist on a classic dessert.
The Perfect Autumn Treat
There's something magical about autumn that makes it the perfect season for indulging in warm, comforting desserts. These Apple Pie Bars encapsulate the essence of fall with their cozy flavors and delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while baking. The combination of tender, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat topping creates a dessert experience that is reminiscent of traditional apple pie but simplified into convenient bar form. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these bars are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
The use of fresh, seasonal apples elevates this dessert, making it not just a treat but a celebration of the harvest season. As you bite into these bars, the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and crisp apple will take you back to childhood memories of picking apples and baking pies with loved ones. These Apple Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a testament to the joy of coming together and sharing delicious food during this special time of year.
Easy to Make, Hard to Resist
One of the best things about these Apple Pie Bars is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dessert that is both impressive and satisfying. There’s no need for rolling out dough, and the step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels. It's a great way to introduce kids to baking, as they can help with the apple-slicing and mixing, turning a cooking session into a fun, family bonding activity.
The preparation takes minimal time, yet the results are nothing short of spectacular. Once the bars are in the oven, the intoxicating scent will draw everyone to the kitchen. Once they are baked to perfection, you can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra special treat. The combination of textures—from the buttery crust to the tender apples and crunchy topping—will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bars
Choosing the right apples is crucial for these bars. Varieties like Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for their sweet crunch are excellent choices. Combining different types of apples can also enhance the flavor profile, providing a balance of sweetness and tartness that makes every bite exciting. Remember to peel and slice your apples thinly for even cooking, ensuring they become tender while baking.
Be sure to let the bars cool for a few minutes before cutting into them. This allows them to set properly, making it easier to slice them into uniform pieces. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding nuts or dried fruits to the oat topping for extra texture and flavor. These small adjustments can personalize the recipe and make it truly your own.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the topping
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Mix all the ingredients as per the directions given in the steps.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
Make the filling
In another bowl, combine apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are well coated.
Assemble the bars
Spread the apple mixture over the crust. In a separate bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the apples.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Pie Bars are perfect as they are, but you can elevate them even further with some creative serving suggestions. Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling caramel sauce over the top. Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a hot apple cider for a delightful autumn dessert experience that even the pickiest eaters will love.
For a festive touch, try adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top just before serving. It adds a beautiful contrast to the golden topping and an elegant finish to your dessert. Hosting a gathering? Present the bars on a pretty platter and watch them disappear in no time—guests won’t be able to resist going back for more!
Storage Tips
These Apple Pie Bars can be made in advance, making them an ideal dish for busy days or holiday preparations. Once they have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, they also freeze exceptionally well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen bars, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can warm them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that delicious, freshly-baked taste. This convenience ensures that you can indulge in this delightful dessert even on the busiest of days!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different fruits?
Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or berries.
→ How should I store these bars?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Apple Pie Bars
Experience the delightful taste of fall with these easy-to-make Apple Pie Bars. These scrumptious bars feature a buttery crust layered with tender, spiced apples, creating a comforting dessert that combines the best of traditional apple pie with the convenience of a bar. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family treat, these Apple Pie Bars are sure to be a hit!
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the topping
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
How-To Steps
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
In another bowl, combine apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are well coated.
Spread the apple mixture over the crust. In a separate bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 30g