Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Delight in these luscious Apple Pie Bars, combining tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat crumble for a perfect blend of textures and flavors. This easy-to-make dessert captures all the charm of traditional apple pie in convenient, handheld bars, ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting treat any day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
Bottom Layer
- 3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- Pinch salt
Topping
- 3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and thinly sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss well to evenly coat the apples. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the crust.
- Make the bottom crust: In a separate mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually blend in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until a smooth dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the apple filling evenly over the prepared bottom crust layer, making sure the apple mixture is well distributed.
- Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the 1/2 cup cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan to set before slicing into squares. Serve plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Allow the bars to cool fully for clean slicing to avoid the filling spilling out.
- Quick oats are used in the crumble topping for a delicate texture; old-fashioned oats can be substituted but may alter texture slightly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Keywords: apple pie bars, apple dessert bars, cinnamon apple bars, easy apple dessert, baked apple bars, oat crumble apple bars
Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/apple-pie-bars-recipe/
