Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe
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
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
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Apple Mixture: Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the bottom crust to form a layer.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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