Apple Pie Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Crust & Topping
01 -
2½ cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1 cup granulated sugar
03 -
1 tsp baking powder
04 -
½ tsp salt
05 -
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
06 -
1 egg
07 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Apple Filling
08 -
4 cups peeled & diced apples
09 -
2 tbsp lemon juice
10 -
½ cup brown sugar
11 -
2 tsp cinnamon
12 -
1 tsp cornstarch
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13" baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
02 -
In a food processor, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cold cubed butter, egg, and vanilla. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a pastry cutter or two forks.
03 -
Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
04 -
Bake the crust for 12 minutes until just beginning to set and very lightly golden. Remove from oven but keep the oven on.
05 -
While the crust bakes, in a large bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
06 -
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
07 -
Crumble the remaining dough mixture evenly over the apple layer.
08 -
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.
09 -
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment paper and cutting into squares. For clean cuts, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
# Notes:
01 -
These bars taste like apple pie but are much easier to make and serve.
02 -
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples work best for this recipe.