Why Make This Recipe
Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie. They combine the warm, comforting flavors of baked apples and a flaky crust in a convenient bar form. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these bars are easy to cut and serve. Plus, they are great for sharing! This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the taste of homemade apple pie without the fuss of a traditional pie.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients:
- 7 cups apple (peeled and thinly sliced; I used fuji apples)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter (cold cut into tiny pieces)
- 2 eggs (yolks and whites separated)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly butter and flour a jelly roll pan or a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 2/3 cup sugar, ¼ cup flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are fully coated, then set aside.
- In another large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix in the cold butter until it’s fully combined.
- Mix in the egg yolks and milk using a fork until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball on a well-floured surface. You should see small bits of cold butter in the dough. Divide the dough into two equal balls.
- Roll out one dough ball on a floured surface. If it becomes sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on top. Place the rolled dough into the prepared pan and press it to cover the bottom.
- Brush a light coating of egg whites on top of the crust.
- Spread the coated apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Roll out the second dough ball and place it on top of the sliced apples. Brush with another light coating of the egg whites.
- Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients together and set aside.
- Once the apple pie bars have cooled a bit, spread the glaze on top, cut into bars, and serve!
How to Serve Apple Pie Bars
Apple Pie Bars are best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. They also taste great with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch.
How to Store Apple Pie Bars
Store leftover Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply place them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Tips to Make Apple Pie Bars
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- Don’t overwork the dough; this keeps it flaky.
- For a little more sweetness, feel free to add some brown sugar to the apple mixture.
- You can sprinkle oats or nuts on top before baking for added texture.
Variation
If you want to try a different flavor, consider adding caramel sauce to the apple filling or mixing in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before using them.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
What other fruits can I use besides apples?
You can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or even berries for a different flavor profile!
Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 7 cups apple (peeled and thinly sliced; I used fuji apples) Mix of sweet and tart apples is recommended.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar You can add brown sugar for extra sweetness.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon For a sprinkle on top, consider adding more cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour Use a light hand to keep the dough flaky.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter (cold cut into tiny pieces) Do not overwork the dough.
- 2 eggs (yolks and whites separated) Egg whites are used to brush the crust.
- ½ cup milk Adjust milk as necessary to form dough.
For the glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk Add milk gradually until desired consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly butter and flour a jelly roll pan or a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 2/3 cup sugar, ¼ cup flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are fully coated, then set aside.
- In another large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix in the cold butter until it’s fully combined.
- Mix in the egg yolks and milk using a fork until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball on a well-floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal balls.
Assembly
- Roll out one dough ball on a floured surface. If it becomes sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on top. Place the rolled dough into the prepared pan and press it to cover the bottom.
- Brush a light coating of egg whites on top of the crust.
- Spread the coated apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Roll out the second dough ball and place it on top of the sliced apples. Brush with another light coating of the egg whites.
Baking
- Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients together and set aside.
- Once the apple pie bars have cooled a bit, spread the glaze on top, cut into bars, and serve!