Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cunsalted butter
at room temperature
- ¾ cgranulated white sugar
- 3 call purpose flour
- ½ tspground cinnamon
- ¼ tspground nutmeg
- ½ tspkosher salt
- 6 tbspunsalted butter
cut into pieces
- ½ cpacked light brown sugar
- 6 lbgranny smith apples)
about 12
- 1 tbspground cinnamon
- ¼ tspground nutmeg
- ½ cwater)
(as necessary
- 3 cquick cooking oats
- 2 call purpose flour
- 1 ½ cpacked light brown sugar
- 1 ¼ tspground cinnamon
- ½ tspbaking soda
- ½ tspkosher salt
- 1 ½ cunsalted butter
cut into cubes and chilled
Directions
Prepare the crust:
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper. With an electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. At low speed, beat in the flour, spices and salt until a soft dough forms. Press the dough over the bottom of the prepared pan and 1/2 inch up the side in an even layer. Bake in the center of the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and set. Let cool on a rack.
Prepare the filling:
- 1
In a very large, deep skillet melt the butter with the brown sugar. (If you don't have a large skillet, divide between 2 skillets). Add the apples to the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are caramelized and very tender and the liquid is evaporated, about 10 minutes longer; scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet and add up to ½ cup of water to the pan to prevent scorching. Let cool.
Prepare the topping:
- 1
In a large bowl, mix the oats with the flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Using fingers (wash your hands and take off your rings first!), squeeze the butter into the oats and sugar and crumble together until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Press the mixture into clumps.
Assemble the bars:
- 1
Spread the apple filling over the crust. Scatter the crumbs on top, pressing them lightly into an even layer. Bake in the center of the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the topping is golden; rotate the pan halfway through baking, and keep an eye on it to make sure the top isn't getting too browned. Let cool completely on a rack before cutting into 2-inch bars.
Apple Pie Bars
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Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Imagine the comforting taste of a classic apple pie, but in a convenient, shareable bar form perfect for any gathering. These Apple Pie Bars bring all the spiced apple goodness you love, making them an ideal dessert solution designed to feed a crowd.
Why These Apple Pie Bars Work
What makes these Apple Pie Bars truly special is their 'double crust' construction, enveloping a generous, spiced apple filling just like a traditional apple pie. This ensures every bite is rich, satisfying, and reminiscent of homemade goodness. The recipe’s substantial yield means you’ll have plenty to go around, making it a perfect choice for larger events or holiday spreads.
What to Expect Prepare for a delightful dessert experience featuring a tender, buttery base and a rich top crust, cradling a luscious, plump filling of perfectly spiced Granny Smith apples. Each bar offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and classic apple pie texture, with the warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg shining through. You'll find a truly comforting and satisfying treat that marries the ease of bars with the beloved flavors of a classic pie.
Customization & Variations While these bars are wonderfully classic, you can subtly enhance the flavor profile. Consider adding a small pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple filling alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg for a deeper, more complex spice aroma. For an additional layer of texture, a handful of toasted chopped walnuts or pecans could be gently folded into the apple filling before baking, adding a delightful crunch.
Serving & Context These substantial Apple Pie Bars are ideal for potlucks, family reunions, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you need to serve a delicious dessert to many. They are fantastic on their own, or you can elevate them further with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.