Description
These Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crisp oat streusel topping into a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender sliced apples and aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, they offer all the comforting flavors of classic apple pie but in easy-to-serve bar form.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Apple Filling
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Gradually stir in the flour until the mixture is fully incorporated and forms a dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. This mixture will coat the apples evenly and add spiced sweetness.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust layer.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, and flour. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together loosely.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the streusel is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy this comforting dessert.
Notes
- You can use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more complex flavor, such as Granny Smith combined with Fuji or Honeycrisp.
- Make sure to peel the apples for a smoother texture in the bars.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- For crispier streusel, you can chill the topping mixture slightly before sprinkling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
