Introduction to Flaky Apple Pie Bars 🍏🥧❤️
As the leaves start to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s no better time to bring the essence of fall into your kitchen with these flaky apple pie bars. This delightful recipe offers the classic flavors of a homemade apple pie, combined with the convenience and charm of bar cookies. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat after a meal or looking for something special to serve at a fall gathering, these bars are sure to satisfy.
The magic begins with a buttery, crumbly base, followed by layers of thinly sliced apples tossed in a sweet and spicy mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. The apples are then coated with a thick, apple cider-infused glaze that caramelizes slightly as it bakes, ensuring each bite is as decadent as it is comforting. The crumbly topping adds the perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft apple filling.
This recipe is straightforward and fun to prepare, making it a great activity for a cozy weekend. It also makes plenty, which is ideal for sharing with friends and family. Below, you’ll find the organized steps to create these irresistible apple pie bars, complete with all the tips you need to make them perfectly every time. Let’s get baking!
Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust:
- In a food processor, combine flour and granulated sugar.
- Add butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press two-thirds of this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Assemble the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Evenly spread the apple mixture over the crust.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix cornstarch with apple cider.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour this glaze evenly over the apple layer.
- Add the Topping and Bake:
- Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the glazed apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories: 220 kcal per bar
- Servings: 18 bars
Enjoy your homemade flaky apple pie bars, a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite!
PrintFlaky Apple Pie Bars
As the leaves start to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s no better time to bring the essence of fall into your kitchen with these flaky apple pie bars. This delightful recipe offers the classic flavors of a homemade apple pie, combined with the convenience and charm of bar cookies. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat after a meal or looking for something special to serve at a fall gathering, these bars are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust:
- In a food processor, combine flour and granulated sugar.
- Add butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press two-thirds of this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Assemble the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Evenly spread the apple mixture over the crust.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix cornstarch with apple cider.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour this glaze evenly over the apple layer.
- Add the Topping and Bake:
- Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the glazed apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories: 220 kcal per bar
- Servings: 18 bars
Enjoy your homemade flaky apple pie bars, a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite!