Description
Delectable Flaky Apple Pie Bars bring classic American dessert comfort into convenient handheld squares packed with sweet cinnamon-spiced apple goodness. Buttery pastry and warm seasonal flavors combine perfectly for an irresistible treat you’ll want to savor slowly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Filling and Spices:
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup ice water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace by setting the oven temperature to 375°F and lining a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Create the pastry base by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water to the flour mixture, gently kneading until a cohesive dough forms, then refrigerate for half an hour to enhance flakiness.
- Meanwhile, craft the apple filling by tossing sliced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until fruit is evenly coated.
- Remove chilled dough and roll out the first half, carefully pressing it into the prepared baking pan to create a smooth, even bottom crust.
- Distribute the seasoned apple mixture uniformly across the bottom crust, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Roll out the remaining dough and delicately layer it over the apple filling, sealing the edges to create a complete enclosure.
- Brush the top crust with egg wash for a golden shine, and optionally sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.
- Transfer the pie bars to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the crust turns a rich, golden brown and the filling bubbles slightly.
- Allow the baked dessert to cool completely before slicing into individual bars, ensuring clean and precise cuts.
Notes
- Choose cold butter straight from the refrigerator to ensure ultra-flaky pastry texture.
- Slice apples uniformly to guarantee even baking and consistent flavor distribution.
- Consider using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for optimal tartness and structural integrity during baking.
- Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising delicate crust quality.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg