Description
Apple Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of a traditional apple pie but in a convenient bar form. They feature a buttery, flaky crust, a warm spiced apple filling, and a sweet vanilla glaze drizzle on top, making them perfect for dessert or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ cup ice water (add more as needed)
Filling
- 10-12 apples, thinly sliced and quartered (about 12 cups)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough holds together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced and quartered apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated. This mixture will be your spiced apple filling.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a rectangle to fit your baking pan (typically a 9×13 inch). Transfer the crust to the pan and press it evenly.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Roll out the second dough disk and gently place it over the apple layer. Seal the edges by pinching the dough together and cut slits on the top layer for steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars for about 60 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and apples are tender. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, water (starting with 3 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed to make a pourable glaze.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled apple pie bars. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into 24 bars and serving.
Notes
- This dessert is an apple pie in bar form, making it easier to portion and serve.
- The buttery and flaky crust pairs perfectly with the sweet and spiced apple filling.
- The vanilla glaze adds a sweet finishing touch to the bars.
- Make sure to cool the bars completely before glazing to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/24th of recipe)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
