Description
These easy-to-make apple pie bars use fresh apples to make the most awesome apple pie filling, then are topped with a sweet, crumbly, and delicious crust that is irresistible.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the apple filling:
- 4 cups chopped apples (3–4 apples, mix of honeycrisp and granny smith)
- 2 tbs butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup + 1tbs water, divided
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbs cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add the softened butter and sugar to a separate bowl. Use a hand mixer and mix until light and fluffy. About 2-3 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined, another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until all ingredients are combined in a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes while you make the filling.
- Melt the butter in a 5qt (or similar) saucepan over medium heat. Add the apples and saute for 5 muniyes or until the apples are slightly soft. Add the sugar, 1/4 cup water and cinnamon and stir.
- Make the cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch and 1 tbs of water in a small cup or bowl, then slowly add to the apple filling. Continue to stir over medium heat until liquid has thickened to a syrupy consistency, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the bars: Press 2/3 of the dough into an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish, reserving the remaining 1/3. Pour the apple pie filling on top and spread into an even layer. Crumble remaining dough into small pieces and sprinkle it over the top of the filling.
- Bake at 350°F on middle rack for 25-30 minutes, or until crust on top is slightly golden.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares and serve.
Notes
If the dough is sticky and difficult to work with, it may need to chill longer in the fridge, You can also dip your hands in flour before touching the dough to avoid sticking.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American