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Apple Pie Bars
5 from 24 votes

Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars layer a tender shortbread base with a cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a nutty crumb topping. The combination of firm, tart apples with buttery crust and crunchy topping makes an approachable dessert that's easy to slice and serve. This recipe is ideal for using multiple apple varieties and enjoying a portable, bar-style treat.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Chilling Time
40 mins
Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 244 kcal
Course: Dessert, Baked Goods
Cuisine: American

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pre-heat oven to 325F (160C), lightly grease and flour an 8 inch (20 cm) square cake pan.
SHORTBREAD BASE
  1. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. Raise the heat to 350F (180C).
APPLE PIE FILLING
  1. While the base is baking, mix together the chopped apples, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Spoon evenly on the shortbread base.
CRUMB TOPPING
  1. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16 bars

Amount Per Serving

Calories 244

% 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.