Craving apple pie but don’t have the time or energy to make a full pie from scratch? These Flaky Apple Pie Bars are the perfect solution! Combining the flavors of a traditional apple pie with the convenience of a bar, these delicious treats feature a buttery, flaky crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a treat with your afternoon coffee, these apple pie bars are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that captures all the warmth and coziness of a classic apple pie in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups)
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup)
- Salt (½ tsp)
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks, cold and cubed)
- Ice water (6-8 tbsp)
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples (4 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Granulated sugar (½ cup)
- Brown sugar (¼ cup)
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp)
- Ground cinnamon (1 ½ tsp)
- Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp)
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
For the Streusel Topping:
- All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Rolled oats (½ cup)
- Brown sugar (½ cup)
- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp)
- Unsalted butter (½ cup or 1 stick, melted)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together but is still slightly crumbly.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat spatula to ensure the crust is even and firm. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss the mixture until the apples are evenly coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, pressing down gently with a spatula to create an even layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer, pressing down lightly to adhere.
Step 4: Bake the Apple Pie Bars
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these apple pie bars warm or at room temperature with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Helpful Notes
- For the best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- To make the crust even flakier, keep the butter and water very cold, and handle the dough as little as possible.
- Add ¼ cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Ina Garten recommends using a combination of different apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
Martha Stewart suggests brushing the crust with a little beaten egg before baking for a golden, shiny finish.
Ree Drummond advises drizzling caramel sauce over the bars just before serving for an extra decadent touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
Yes, a store-bought pie crust can be used for convenience. Just press it into the baking pan and bake as directed.
What if I don’t have rolled oats?
You can substitute quick oats or leave them out entirely for a simpler streusel topping.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and the streusel topping.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Pre-baking the crust before adding the apple filling helps keep it from getting soggy.
Can I use different fruits?
Absolutely! Try using pears, peaches, or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the topping is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?
Use two knives or a fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture, or pulse it in a food processor.
Can I add spices to the streusel topping?
Yes, a pinch of allspice, cardamom, or even ginger can add a unique twist to the flavor.
How do I prevent the streusel from burning?
If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the bars with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan pie crust.
Enjoy these Flaky Apple Pie Bars, the perfect dessert for any occasion that captures the essence of apple pie in a convenient, handheld form!
