Apple Pie Bars: A Slice of Heaven in Every Bite
Apple Pie Bars are the perfect blend of warm, spiced apples enveloped in a buttery, crumbly crust. This delicious dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it's also a sight to behold. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a classic apple pie, you’ll know the delightful medley of flavors that dance on your palate—a delightful mix of sweet and tart apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, all wrapped in a golden crust. Now, imagine that bliss in the form of easy-to-eat bars!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works great
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Set Aside Crust: Reserve 1 cup of the crust mixture for later use. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until well coated.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly on top of the apples.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.