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Apple Pie Bars
4.5 from 153 votes

Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery crust topped with a caramelized apple filling and a crumbly oat and pecan topping. The filling uses sliced Granny Smith apples cooked with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a tender, spiced fruit layer. The bars offer a handheld way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie with a textured oat topping and a sturdy base.

Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 48

Ingredients

For the crust:
  • 1 ½ cups butter softened, unsalted
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the filling:
  • 6 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 6 pounds apple about 12 apples-peeled, cored and thinly sliced, Granny Smith variety
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
  • ½ cup water if necessary
For the topping:
  • 3 cups oats quick-cooking
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ½ cups butter cut into 1/2-inch cubes and chilled, unsalted
  • ¾ cup pecans chopped

Instructions

Make the Crust
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°. Line a 15-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter with the sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. At low speed, beat in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
  2. Press the dough over the bottom of the prepared pan creating an even layer. Bake in the center of the oven for about 20 minutes, until the crust is golden and set. Let cool on a rack.
Make the Filling
  1. In an extra large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of the butter with 1/2 cup of the light brown sugar. Add the apples to the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir the cinnamon and nutmeg.
  2. 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 if necessary, add up to 1/2 cup of water to prevent scorching. Let cool. (I did not need to add any water to my skillet.)
Make the Topping
  1. In a large bowl, mix the oats with the flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry blender to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in the pecans and press the mixture into clumps.
Assemble and Bake
  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 1 hour, until the topping is golden; rotate the pan halfway through baking. Let cool completely on a rack before cutting into 2-inch bars.

Notes

  • Store bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness.
  • An apple peeler, corer, and slicer simplifies peeling and slicing apples, speeding prep work.
  • Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor and firm texture suited for the filling.