Description
Homemade apple pie bars blend classic American dessert flavors with convenient handheld convenience. Buttery pastry and caramelized apples create a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), lining a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Create the pastry base by blending flour, sugar, and salt, then incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Introduce egg yolk and ice-cold water to the flour mixture, gently kneading until a cohesive dough forms, then refrigerate for half an hour to enhance texture.
- Remove chilled dough and carefully roll it out, pressing evenly into the prepared baking pan to create a uniform crust.
- Prepare the apple filling by combining diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Spread the aromatic apple mixture across the prepared crust, distributing evenly to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite.
- Generously sprinkle additional crumble topping over the apple layer to create a delightful textural contrast.
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and bubbling edges indicating complete cooking.
- Allow the baked dessert to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into elegant bars, ensuring clean, precise cuts.
Notes
- Customize the filling by mixing different apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a complex, balanced flavor profile.
- Prevent soggy bottom crust by sprinkling a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs before adding apple mixture to absorb excess moisture.
- Make the bars gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a similar texture.
- Create a dairy-free version by using coconut oil or plant-based butter instead of traditional butter, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 255
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg