Description

Best Apple Pie Bars capture the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple pie in a convenient, sliceable form. With a tender buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are perfect for gatherings, snacks, or festive desserts. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they bring apple pie joy without the hassle of rolling dough.

Ingredients

For the crust and topping:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the apple filling:

5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Press about two-thirds of mixture firmly into the bottom of prepared pan.
Prepare the Apple Filling: Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour until evenly coated.
Assemble Bars: Spread apple mixture evenly over crust. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over apples.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, until topping is golden and apples are tender.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely in pan on wire rack before slicing. Serve plain or with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to crumb topping for extra crunch.Drizzle caramel sauce over bars before serving for extra indulgence.Add ground cloves or ginger to apple filling for spiced flavor.Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.Make mini bars using muffin tins for party servings.Store bars in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.Freeze wrapped bars for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge.Warm bars before serving to enhance flavor and soften apples.