Apple Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of apple pie in a new and easy-to-handle form. They are perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. With a buttery crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, these bars bring the warmth of homemade apple pie straight to your table. This recipe is simple to follow and yields a baked dish that will impress your friends and family.
Why make this recipe
Making Apple Pie Bars is an excellent way to enjoy the flavors of fall year-round. They are versatile and can be served as dessert or a sweet snack. Unlike traditional apple pie, Apple Pie Bars are easier to cut and serve, making them ideal for parties or potluck events. The recipe allows you to control the sweetness and spice of the filling, ensuring they meet your taste preferences. Furthermore, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored for future treats.
How to make Apple Pie Bars
Making Apple Pie Bars is a straightforward process that involves preparing a lovely crust, making a delicious filling, and baking everything to perfection. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide to making these delectable bars.
Ingredients in USA and Europe metrics:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour (480 grams)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (5 grams)
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces (227 grams)
- 1/2 cup of cold water (120 ml)
- 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
- 10 cups of peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or other tart apples) (about 2.5 kg)
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, packed (100 grams)
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon (4 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (1 gram)
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (24 grams)
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (30 ml)
Directions:
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the four cups of all-purpose flour and one teaspoon of salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 15×10 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to fit the bottom and sides of the prepared pan. Carefully place the rolled dough in the pan, pressing it into the corners and up the sides.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated.
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Assemble the Slices: Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough in the pan. Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough around the edges and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them gently with foil to prevent burning.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the apple slices to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
How to serve Apple Pie Bars
Serving Apple Pie Bars is easy and enjoyable. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a decorative touch. They are delightful when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy treat, serve them with a cup of hot cider or coffee. You can also enjoy them cold or at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
How to store Apple Pie Bars
To store Apple Pie Bars, let them cool completely after baking. Place the bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. If you want to keep them for an extended period, Apple Pie Bars can be frozen. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
Tips to make Apple Pie Bars
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor. These apples hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Feel free to customize your spices. Adding a pinch of allspice or cloves can enhance the flavor.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the bottom layer for about 10 minutes before adding the apple filling.
- If you like a sweeter filling, adjust the sugar amounts to your taste.
Variation (if any)
You can make variations of Apple Pie Bars by adding nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Another option is to incorporate dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added flavor. If you enjoy caramel, drizzling some over the top before serving can add a rich, sweet touch. For a fun twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the filling or using different spices such as cardamom for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pie crust for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-made pie crust if you are short on time. It will save you time in the preparation for the crust.
What types of apples work best for Apple Pie Bars?
Tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best. They hold their shape and provide a great balance to the sweetness of the sugar.
How can I tell when the Apple Pie Bars are done baking?
The Apple Pie Bars are done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Some bubbling around the edges is completely normal.
Can I make Apple Pie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. Keep them stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They are delicious served cold or warmed up.
How do I prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy bottom crust, pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the apple filling. This allows the bottom to firm up.
Nutritional information
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Making Apple Pie Bars is a rewarding and tasty experience that can be enjoyed by everyone. With this easy recipe, you can bring the comforting taste of apple pie to your family gatherings or keep them all to yourself at home. Enjoy!