Homemade Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These homemade apple pie bars capture all the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie in an easy-to-slice bar form. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly oat streusel topping, they make a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3-4 large apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick, cold and sliced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Add 2 cups flour and stir until a thick dough forms.
2. Step 2: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven. The crust will look slightly underbaked.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture in an even layer over the crust.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup flour. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the cold butter into the mixture until it becomes crumbly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the oat streusel evenly over the apples. Place the bars in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Fuji.
• If you prefer a softer topping, reduce the oats slightly and add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Ensure the butter for the streusel is very cold to create a crumbly texture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure.

Storage

Store the apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a low oven or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the bars.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Baking the crust partially before adding the apples helps keep it firm and prevents sogginess. Also, coating the apples with flour absorbs some liquid.

Homemade Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 108 reviews

These homemade apple pie bars combine a buttery crust with a spiced apple filling and a crumbly oat streusel topping. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they offer all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form, ideal for sharing or enjoying as a delicious dessert or snack.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all purpose flour

Apple Filling

• 3–4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick, cold and sliced)

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside. In a bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Then add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix until a thick dough forms.
2. Bake the crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake it for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven. The crust will look slightly underbaked at this stage, which is perfect.
3. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg until well coated. Spread this mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
4. Make the streusel topping: Combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a medium bowl. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the cold, sliced butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and well mixed.
5. Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer. Return the bars to the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. Cool and serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• You can use any variety of apples you prefer, though tart apples like Granny Smith balance well with the sweet topping.
• Make sure to peel and thinly slice the apples for even baking and texture.
• Keep the butter cold for the streusel topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
• For easier removal, ensure the entire pan is well lined with parchment paper extending over the edges.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheat bars slightly before serving for a freshly baked feel.

Keywords: apple pie bars, homemade apple dessert, apple streusel bars, apple bars recipe, fall dessert, easy apple bars