Apple pie is a classic dessert that captures the essence of fall with its warm, spiced filling and buttery, flaky crust. Imagine being able to savor the delightful tastes of a classic apple pie in a simple, convenient bar format. Introducing the Flaky Apple Pie Bars recipe—a delicious twist on the classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
These flaky apple pie bars combine a tender shortbread base, a spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping to create a dessert that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a treat to serve at a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply to enjoy at home, these bars are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Flaky Apple Pie Bars
Easy to Make
Unlike a traditional apple pie, which requires careful assembly of a pie crust and filling, these flaky apple pie bars are simple to prepare. The dough is pressed into a pan, making it much easier to handle, and the filling is quickly cooked on the stovetop before being spread over the crust.
Perfectly Flaky Crust
The shortbread crust provides a buttery, flaky base that pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced apple filling. It’s sturdy enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy, yet tender enough to melt in your mouth.
Delicious Apple Filling
The filling for these bars is made with a combination of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. The apples are cooked until tender and caramelized, creating a rich and gooey filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Crumbly Streusel Topping
The streusel topping adds a crunchy, sweet layer to these bars, making them even more irresistible. Made with butter, flour, and brown sugar, the streusel bakes up golden and crispy, adding the perfect finishing touch to this dessert.
Ingredients
To make these Flaky Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
For the Casserole:
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 pound pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni work well)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Slowly incorporate the flour and salt into the butter mixture, stirring until a crumbly dough is achieved. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, forming an even layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool slightly while you prepare the apple filling.
Make the Apple Filling
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugars.
- Cook the apple mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, whisking them together to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the apple mixture and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the filling has thickened.
- Remove the apple filling from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they form coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Bars
- Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple filling, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and crisp.
Optional Glaze
- While the bars are baking, prepare the optional glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Should the glaze be excessively thick, incorporate additional milk gradually, one teaspoon at a time, until the preferred consistency is achieved.
- After the bars have finished baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool entirely in the pan. Once cooled, pour the glaze over the bars prior to slicing and serving.
Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut the bars into squares and serve.
- These Flaky Apple Pie Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Perfect Flaky Apple Pie Bars
Use the Right Apples
Granny Smith apples are a great choice for this recipe because they hold their shape well during cooking and have a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the filling. However, you can also use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a slightly different flavor.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch
Cornstarch is essential for thickening the apple filling and preventing it from becoming too runny. Make sure to cook the filling until it reaches a thick, gooey consistency before spreading it over the crust.
Make Ahead for Convenience
These bars can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days. Simply reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their crispiness.
Customize the Topping
If you prefer a more substantial topping, you can double the streusel ingredients for an extra-thick layer. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel for added crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information
While these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are a delicious treat, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (assuming 16 bars):
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
These Flaky Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, offering all the warm, spiced flavors you love in a convenient, easy-to-make bar form. With a buttery shortbread crust, gooey apple filling, and crunchy streusel topping, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert in your household.
Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with your family, this recipe is both versatile and delicious. Give these flaky apple pie bars a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade apple pie without the hassle!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it permissible to substitute a different variety of flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.
Can I freeze these flaky apple pie bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. These items can be stored in the freezer for a maximum of three months. For serving, it is recommended to defrost them in the refrigerator overnight and, if preferred, reheat them in the oven.
What other toppings can I add?
You can add a variety of toppings to these bars to customize them to your liking. Try drizzling caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat, or sprinkle chopped nuts into the streusel for added texture.
