Introduction
These delicious Apple Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a buttery crust, sweet cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping, they are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie.
Ingredients
250g all-purpose flour
120g granulated sugar
150g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 500g)
50g brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 bars
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 20x20 cm baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together. Reserve ⅓ of the dough for the topping.
4. Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
5. In another bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are well coated.
6. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
7. Crumble the reserved dough over the apples.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare a 20x20 cm baking dish by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the crumb mixture. Mix until the dough begins to come together. Reserve ⅓ of the dough for the topping, set aside.
Step 4: Form the Crust
Press the remaining dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even crust layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss the mixture until all the apple pieces are well coated with the spices and sugars.
Step 6: Layer the Apples
Evenly spread the apple mixture over the crust, ensuring a generous and uniform layer of apples.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the apple layer, covering it as much as possible.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, cut into squares for serving.
Notes
Storage
Store any leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Apple Selection
For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
Serving Suggestion
These apple pie bars can be served warm or at room temperature. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Instructions
To store Apple Pie Bars, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Pie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzling caramel sauce on top adds an extra layer of flavor. For a decorative touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 bar) contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Unsalted butter: Can be replaced with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free version.
- Granulated sugar: Use coconut sugar or honey as alternative sweeteners, adjusting quantities for sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Can be substituted with granulated sugar mixed with molasses (1 tablespoon molasses for every cup of granulated sugar).
- Apples: For variations, replace with pears or a mix of berries.
- Cornstarch: Arrowroot starch can be used as a natural thickening agent.
- Lemon juice: Apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute if needed.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl to ensure an even distribution of dry ingredients.
Cutting in Butter
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky crust.
Binding the Dough
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the crumb mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together, ensuring not to overwork it for a tender crust.
Pressing the Dough
Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking dish for a uniform crust.
Coating the Apples
Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice until uniformly coated, enhancing flavor and texture.
Crumbling the Topping
Use reserved dough to create a crumbly topping over the apple mixture, ensuring even distribution for a consistent texture.
Baking
Bake at 175°C (350°F) until the top is golden brown, allowing the filling to bubble and the apples to become tender.
FAQ
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, which provide different flavors and textures.
How should I store leftover apple pie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I freeze apple pie bars?
Yes, you can freeze them by wrapping the bars in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with apple pie bars?
These bars are delicious on their own but can also be served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Make sure to pre-bake the crust slightly, and avoid adding too much moisture to the apple filling by properly coating the apples with cornstarch.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Bars are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie in a more manageable form. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping, these bars are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat.
Apple Crumble Bars
Replace the apple filling with mixed berries for a delightful twist. The crumble topping adds extra texture, making them an irresistible dessert.
Pumpkin Spice Bars
Substitute the apples with pumpkin puree and add spices like ginger and cloves to create a seasonal favorite that's perfect for fall gatherings.
Peach and Blueberry Bars
Combine fresh peaches and blueberries for a fresh, juicy filling that captures the essence of summer.
Chocolate Chip Apple Bars
For a rich dessert, fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips into the apple mixture before baking. The chocolate complements the apples beautifully.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Bars
Twist the recipe by adding swirls of cinnamon roll dough on top of the apple filling for a decadent breakfast treat or dessert.
Caramel Apple Bars
Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the crumb topping for a sweet, gooey finish that elevates the classic recipe.
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