Quick & Delicious Apple Pie Bars for Fall! 🍏🍰
1. Introduction
Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall? These Apple Pie Bars are the perfect solution! Combining the flaky, buttery pastry with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, this recipe creates a delightful holiday apple dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re a fan of pastry with apples or searching for apple cinnamon treats, these apple pie-like desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they’re quick to make and ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in.
2. Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Pie Bars
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4 cups of sliced fresh apples or 1 can of canned apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts
3. How to Use Canned Apple Pie Filling for Quick & Easy Results
For a quicker version of apple pie bars, using canned apple pie filling is a fantastic choice. It eliminates the need for peeling and slicing, saving you valuable time while still delivering that classic apple pie like dessert flavor. Simply drain the excess syrup, layer the filling on the crust, and top with the crumble. This method is perfect for busy fall days or when you want to create a homemade pie with minimal effort.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apple Pie Bars
Preparing the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cut in the **butter** using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until slightly golden.
Making the Apple Filling
In a bowl, toss the sliced apples (or canned filling) with 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Creating the Crumble
Mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this over the apples to create a delicious topping.
Baking the Apple Spice Bars
Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. Allow to cool before slicing into squares or bars.
5. Storage Tips for Your Apple Pie Bars
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, reheat in a microwave or oven for a warm, delicious treat.
6. Serving Suggestions to Enhance Your Apple Spice Bars
Serve these apple cinnamon treats warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot apple cider or your favorite coffee. To add an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts or drizzle caramel sauce for a gourmet finish.
7. Additional Tips for Baking Perfect Apple Pie Bars
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and tartness.
- If you prefer softer apples, cook the filling slightly before spreading it on the crust.
- For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling.
- Check out baking tips to perfect your pie bar skills.
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Making Apple Pie Bars
Can I make apple pie bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be prepared a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat before serving for the best taste.
What variations can I add to these apple pie bars?
Feel free to incorporate nuts, raisins, or a splash of caramel syrup into the filling for added flavor. You can also swap the traditional crust for a graham cracker crust for a different texture.
Are these apple pie bars suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make gluten-free apple spice bars, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Always check ingredient labels on your products for gluten content.
9. Conclusion
If you’re searching for a delightful holiday apple dessert that combines the flavors of classic apple pie with the convenience of quick baking, these Apple Pie Bars are an excellent choice. Easy to prepare, delicious, and versatile, they are sure to become a fall staple. Whether you serve them at a family gathering or enjoy them as a cozy treat, these apple spice cake bars will leave everyone asking for more. Happy baking! Visit our baking section for more sweet inspiration and tips to perfect your dessert game.
Print
Quick & Delicious Apple Pie Bars for Fall! 🍏🍰
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these quick and delicious Apple Pie Bars. Combining flaky pastry crust with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, they capture the essence of seasonal baking in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4 cups of sliced fresh apples or 1 can of canned apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Toss sliced apples (or canned filling) with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the baked crust.
- Mix flour, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
- Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- For softer apples, cook the filling slightly before spreading.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra richness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (about 1/12 of the dish)
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
