Apple Pie Bars
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Chilling Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
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Servings
16 bars
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Calories
244 kcal
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Course
Dessert, Baked Goods
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Cuisine
American
Apple Pie Bars
Description
Apple Pie Bars feature a soft shortbread crust formed by creaming butter and sugar before mixing in flour and salt, giving a rich base baked briefly before topping. A filling of chopped apples mixed with flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon is layered evenly over the base. The topping consists of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cold butter, and chopped nuts mixed into a coarse crumb and spread atop the apples. Baking the assembled bars at moderate oven temperatures until the apples are tender and the topping is golden creates a dessert with a balance of buttery, sweet, and tart flavors combined with varied textures.
The bars can be sliced into portions, making them convenient for sharing or packing. Their firm crumb holds together well, suitable for casual serving without utensils. Combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties can provide balanced flavor. The crumb topping adds a nutty crunch complementing the soft fruit and buttery base.
Store these bars in an airtight container refrigerated for 3-4 days or freeze wrapped to keep for up to three months. Thaw refrigerated bars before serving. The recipe's flexibility in apple choice and make-ahead storage makes it practical for home baking and seasonal fruit use.
Ingredients
SHORTBREAD BASE
- ¾ cup butter softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 pinch salt
*If you use unsalted butter then increase the salt to ¼ teaspoon.
APPLE PIE FILLING
- 2-3 medium apple chopped small
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoons cinnamon
CRUMB TOPPING
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup butter cold
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup nut pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 325F (160C), lightly grease and flour an 8 inch (20 cm) square cake pan.
SHORTBREAD BASE
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl cream the butter on medium speed, then add the sugar and beat together. Add the whisked flour and combine well. Spread evenly on the prepared pan and bake for 5 mintues.
- Raise the heat to 350F (180C).
APPLE PIE FILLING
- While the base is baking, mix together the chopped apples, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Spoon evenly on the shortbread base.
CRUMB TOPPING
- In a medium bowl mix together the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon, cut in the cold butter until you have coarse crumbs, then gently stir in the nuts. Sprinkle evenly over the apple pie filling. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the apples are tender. If the top starts to brown too much, then cover with foil and continue to bake. Enjoy!
Notes
- Granny Smith apples offer the best balance of firmness and tartness, but sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious can be mixed in for varied flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they remain good for up to four days.
- Freeze bars well wrapped or in a freezer bag for up to three months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 244 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 244kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 33mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 115mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 62mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 396IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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