Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Flaky Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, offering all the comforting flavors in a convenient bar form. With a tender, buttery crust and a spiced apple filling topped with a crunchy oat streusel, these bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy treat.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Set aside.
5. Step 5: Roll out one half of the dough on a floured surface to fit the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the rolled dough in the dish.
6. Step 6: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples.
8. Step 8: Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the apple mixture. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
9. Step 9: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
10. Step 10: Allow the bars to cool before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
• Chilling the dough well helps create a flakier crust.
• Sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch and sweetness.
• For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat topping.

Storage

Store the apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave to enjoy warm bars with a flaky crust and tender filling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for texture, but if using frozen apples, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the crust soggy.

Why do I need to cut slits in the top crust?

Cutting slits allows steam to escape while baking, preventing the crust from becoming soggy or puffing unevenly.

Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 87 reviews

These Flaky Apple Pie Bars offer the perfect combination of a buttery, flaky crust and a tender, spiced apple filling, topped with a delightful oat crumble. Easy to make and wonderfully fragrant, they are an ideal treat for any autumn day or whenever you crave a classic apple dessert with a convenient bar form.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water

Apple Filling

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Topping

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in the chilled cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, stirring just until the dough begins to hold together. Avoid overmixing. Divide the dough into two equal halves, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well coated. This will help the filling thicken and flavor properly.
5. Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out one half of the chilled dough to fit the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Transfer it carefully into the dish, pressing it evenly to cover the base.
6. Add Apple Mixture: Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the bottom crust to form a layer.
7. Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, and melted butter until combined. Sprinkle this mixture uniformly over the apple filling to add a crunchy, sweet topping.
8. Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out the second half of the dough and gently place it over the oat topping. Use a sharp knife to cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely to set the filling before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness and texture.
• Ensure the butter is well-chilled for a flakier crust.
• Cut slits in the top crust to prevent sogginess from trapped steam.
• Allow the bars to cool fully for easier slicing and better flavor development.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Keywords: apple pie bars, flaky crust, apple dessert, baked apple bars, oat topping, spiced apple bars, easy apple pie