These Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, transforming it into convenient handheld squares. With a buttery crust, warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crunchy walnut topping, this recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy treat at home. The best part? You get all the flavor of a traditional apple pie without the hassle of rolling out pie dough!
This recipe has become a beloved treat in my household. My husband has always been an apple pie fanatic, but I didn’t always have the time to bake a whole pie from scratch. One afternoon, I stumbled upon the idea of turning his favorite dessert into easy-to-make apple pie bars, and they quickly became a family favorite! Now, these bars are a regular request at family dinners and special occasions. My little ones love how easy they are to eat, and my husband enjoys them even more with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s truly become a cozy tradition we all look forward to, especially when fall rolls around.
Why These Apple Pie Bars?
- Buttery Crust: The crust is rich, buttery, and lightly sweetened, with a hint of cinnamon and crunchy walnuts for added texture.
- Warm Apple Filling: The filling features fresh apples, lemon juice, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it that comforting fall flavor.
- Crispy Topping: The crumbly topping brings a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender apple filling.
- Easy to Make: Unlike a traditional pie, there’s no need to fuss with rolling dough. These bars are simple to prepare and cut into squares for serving.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making these for a family dessert or a holiday gathering, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 225g (1 cup or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 67g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
- 55g (1/4 cup) light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 37g (1/3 cup) walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 1.36kg (3 lbs) apples (about 4 medium apples, like Gala, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 37g (3 tablespoons) granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 28g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring the edges overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes on medium speed). In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low until just combined. - Form the Crust:
Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and comes up about 1/2 inch on the sides. Set the remaining one-third of the dough aside for later. Refrigerate the crust for about 20 minutes. Once chilled, bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool. - Prepare the Filling:
While the crust is chilling and baking, melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the apple slices, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until the apples are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. In the last minute of cooking, stir in the cornstarch to thicken the mixture. - Assemble the Bars:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust, leaving a small 1/2-inch border around the edges. Break the reserved dough into small pieces and scatter them over the apples. The apples won’t be fully covered, but this will create a beautiful, rustic topping. - Final Bake:
Bake the assembled bars for another 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan, then slice into bars.
Notes:
- Apple Variety: Feel free to mix and match apple types for a blend of tart and sweet flavors. Granny Smith adds a nice tang, while Pink Lady brings sweetness.
- Nut Substitutions: If walnuts aren’t your thing, pecans make a great alternative. Or, you can omit nuts entirely for a more traditional crumb topping.
- Add-Ons: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle the bars with caramel sauce or serve them warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week.
These Apple Pie Bars are sure to become a family favorite, perfect for any fall celebration!