FLAKY APPLE PIE BARS

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

1. Make the Crust:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.

1. Make the Crumble Topping:

• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apple layer.

1. Bake the Bars:

• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

1. Optional Glaze:

• If using, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Drizzle over the cooled bars for a sweet finishing touch.

1. Slice and Serve:

• Once the bars are cool and the glaze is set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Flaky Apple Pie Bars

• Chill the Butter: Using cold butter for the crust and crumble is essential for achieving a flaky texture.
• Use Firm Apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking, providing the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of sugar in the filling or topping.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The acidity helps to balance the sweetness and brings out the natural flavor of the apples.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Bars

These Flaky Apple Pie Bars offer all the comforting flavors of a homemade apple pie with less fuss. They have a buttery crust, a juicy apple filling that’s perfectly spiced, and a crumbly topping that adds the right amount of crunch. Each bite delivers a delicious combination of textures, from the tender apples to the crisp crust and crumbly topping. Plus, the bars are easy to cut and serve, making them a great dessert for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a quick treat during the week.

Variations and Add-Ins

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or make use of what’s in your pantry:

• Add Nuts: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for added crunch.
• Mix in Other Fruits: Combine apples with pears, cranberries, or even raspberries for a twist on the traditional filling.
• Try a Different Glaze: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of the vanilla glaze for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Flaky Apple Pie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can also dress them up with some tasty accompaniments:

• A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of warm apple pie and cold ice cream works just as well with these bars.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy complement to the dessert.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, top with caramel sauce for a touch of sweetness.

Storing the Apple Pie Bars

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: These bars can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Conclusion

These Flaky Apple Pie Bars are the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a special treat, they’re sure to be a hit. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping, these bars are everything you love about apple pie in a more convenient, easy-to-make form.

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Give this recipe a try, and savor the taste of homemade apple pie in every bite-sized bar!