Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Apple Pie Bars featuring a buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping. Perfect for a comforting dessert or snack that combines the classic flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Crust
- 3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch salt
Streusel Topping
- 3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the baking pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or whisk by hand for this step.
- Combine dry crust ingredients: In a separate small bowl, mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix dry ingredients into butter mixture: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter and sugar until fully combined to form the crust dough.
- Press crust into pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and spread evenly, pressing down firmly especially around the edges to form the crust base.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 15 minutes until set and slightly golden.
- Prepare the apple filling: While the crust is baking, mix the sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl until the apples are evenly coated.
- Make the streusel topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in 1/2 cup cold cubed butter using your hands or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the bars: Once the crust is slightly cooled, spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples and press down lightly to adhere.
- Bake the assembled bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Allow the apple pie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares to serve.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the butter for the streusel topping is cold to get crumbly texture.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars after cooling completely.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optionally, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie bars, apple dessert, streusel topping, easy apple recipe, baked apple bars, fall dessert
