Description
Delight in these Apple Pie Bars, a perfect twist on the classic apple pie! Featuring a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, these bars are topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy dessert at home, these bars combine the comfort of apple pie with the convenience of handheld portions.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ cup ice water (add more as needed)
Filling
- 10-12 apples, thinly sliced and quartered (about 12 cups)
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated. This mixture will become your delicious filling.
- Assemble the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9×13-inch baking pan. Press the dough into the pan to form the bottom crust. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apples, sealing the edges. You can cut small slits for steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the water amount for desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Let the glaze set before cutting into 24 bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- This dessert is an apple pie in bar form, making it easy to serve and enjoy.
- The buttery flaky crust perfectly complements the sweet and spiced apple filling.
- The vanilla glaze adds a light, sweet finishing touch.
- Be sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling to ensure a flaky crust.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 24 bars)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
