Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert, combining all the flavors of a classic apple pie in a convenient, handheld form. With a buttery crust, a luscious apple filling, and a crispy pecan topping, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Learn how to make this delectable dessert, its history, variations, and expert tips in this comprehensive guide.

History: Apple Pie Bars, an adaptation of the beloved apple pie, have been cherished in American kitchens for generations. They offer the same cozy, cinnamon-spiced apple goodness but with the convenience of a bar. This dessert has its roots in American culinary traditions, where apple pies have been a staple since the colonial era. The transition to bars likely occurred as a way to make apple pie more portable and suitable for picnics and gatherings.

Apple Pie Bars: A Sweet Slice of Heaven

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Yields: 18 servings

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• Non-stick cooking spray
• 1 cup (240g) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cups (170g) butter, melted

For Serving:

• Homemade Caramel Sauce (optional)

How to Make Apple Pie Bars

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a 13×9 inch (33×23 cm) pan with parchment paper, then give it a quick spritz with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Create the Crust:
   • In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
   • Add the all-purpose flour and salt, then mix until just combined.
3. Press and Bake:
   • Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan, making sure to come up about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) on the sides.
   • Bake the crust until it’s lightly golden, about 20 minutes.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   • While the crust is baking, peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
   • In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
   • Add the sliced apples to this mixture, coating them evenly.
5. Make the Topping:
   • In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and salt.
   • Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until you have a crumbly mixture.
6. Assemble and Bake:
   • Once the crust is ready, evenly distribute the apple filling over it.
   • Sprinkle the pecan topping on the apples.
7. Bake to Perfection:
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the Apple Pie Bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
   • Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce if desired.

Expert Tips:

• For a twist, add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a burst of fruity flavor.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs for the Recipe:

Q: Can I use a different type of nut in the topping? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or your favorite nuts for a unique flavor profile.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Warm them up in the oven before serving for the best taste and texture.

Alternate Names:

• Apple Pie Squares
• Apple Crumble Bars

Enjoy these Apple Pie Bars as a scrumptious dessert or a sweet snack any time of the year. Their delightful combination of flavors and textures is sure to please your taste buds!

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Apple Pie Bars: A Sweet Slice of Heaven

Yield: 18 servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Slice into nostalgia with Apple Pie Bars! A sweet, portable twist on the classic, ready to steal the dessert spotlight

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Non-stick cooking spray
• 1 cup (240g) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cups (170g) butter, melted
• For Serving:
• Homemade Caramel Sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a 13x9 inch (33x23 cm) pan with parchment paper, then give it a quick spritz with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Create the Crust:
3. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the all-purpose flour and salt, then mix until just combined.
5. Press and Bake:
6. Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan, making sure to come up about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) on the sides.
7. Bake the crust until it's lightly golden, about 20 minutes.
8. Prepare the Filling:
9. While the crust is baking, peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
10. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
11. Add the sliced apples to this mixture, coating them evenly.
12. Make the Topping:
13. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and salt.
14. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until you have a crumbly mixture.
15. Assemble and Bake:
16. Once the crust is ready, evenly distribute the apple filling over it.
17. Sprinkle the pecan topping on the apples.
18. Bake to Perfection:
19. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
20. Cool and Serve:
21. Allow the Apple Pie Bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
22. Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

• For a twist, add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a burst of fruity flavor.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 149Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 193mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 3g

The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

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