Description
Delectable Flaky Apple Pie Bars invite sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen, blending crisp pastry with warm cinnamon-spiced apples. Buttery layers crumble perfectly, delivering homemade comfort that draws friends and family closer around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
Apple Filling:
- 5–6 medium apples (granny smith or honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Topping:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust by combining flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Cube the cold butter into small pieces and incorporate into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or food processor until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together without overworking.
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape into flat disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow proper chilling.
- Peel, core, and slice apples into thin, uniform pieces, tossing immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch, then gently fold into the apple slices until evenly coated.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Roll out one disk of chilled dough to fit the bottom of the pan, pressing gently to create an even layer.
- Spread the prepared apple filling uniformly across the bottom crust, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll out the second dough disk and cut into strips for a lattice top, or create a full top crust with decorative venting.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze, drizzling over the cooled bars.
- Slice into squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Chill ingredients thoroughly to achieve an ultra-flaky pastry texture that melts in your mouth.
- For gluten-free variations, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour, ensuring a similar tender crumb.
- Control apple moisture by patting slices dry with paper towels to prevent soggy bottom crust and maintain perfect structural integrity.
- Experiment with apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and tartness, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg