Flaky Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, flaky crust. As someone who has always cherished the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked apple pie wafting through the kitchen, I can assure you that these bars capture that essence perfectly. The history of apple pie dates back to the 14th century, and it has since become a beloved dessert in many cultures, symbolizing home and comfort.
What makes Flaky Apple Pie Bars so irresistible is their perfect balance of taste and texture. The tender, flaky crust cradles a luscious filling of sweet, tart apples, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make and serve, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or a cozy night in. Whether you enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- For the apple filling:
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- For the crumb topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Preparing the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Add 1 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
- Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help the butter firm up and make the crust flaky.
Preparing the Apple Filling
- While the dough is chilling, lets prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with ¾ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of flour.
- Toss the apples gently until they are well coated with the sugar and spices. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while the crust chills.
Making the Crumb Topping
- In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Pour in ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined. Set aside.
Assembling the Apple Pie Bars
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the bars.
- Take one of the chilled dough disks out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle that fits your baking dish (typically 9×13 inches). Aim for about ¼ inch thickness.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the baking dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Pour the prepared apple filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. Make sure to distribute the apples so every bite has a bit of that delicious filling.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling, ensuring that it covers the apples completely. This will create a lovely crunchy texture once baked.
Baking the Apple Pie Bars
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
- Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; if the edges start to brown too quickly, you can
Conclusion:
In summary, these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of classic apple pie but wants a fun and easy twist. The buttery, flaky crust combined with the sweet, spiced apple filling creates a delightful treat thats perfect for any occasion, whether its a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday celebration. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. You can also experiment with variations by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling, or even incorporating nuts for a delightful crunch. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try! Id love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you put on it. Dont forget to share your thoughts and photos with friends and family, as these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are sure to impress everyone who gets a taste. Happy baking! Print
Flaky Apple Pie Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Dessert
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Delight in these homemade Apple Pie Bars, featuring a flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy crumb topping. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack!
Ingredients
- Apples
- Sugar
- Flour
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Oats
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a sweeter filling, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the apple mixture to your taste.
- Feel free to mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor.
- These apple pie bars can be served warm or at room temperature, and they pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
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