Description
These Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping for a delightful twist on classic apple pie. Perfect for serving as a dessert or snack, they bake to golden perfection in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Apple Filling
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
- Make and bake the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the 2 cups of all-purpose flour until fully combined to form a dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon flour. This mixture helps thicken the filling and adds sweetness and spice.
- Layer apple filling: Evenly spread the apple mixture over the partially baked crust, ensuring an even layer of fruit.
- Make streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup flour. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the streusel topping is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 12 bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to peel and thinly slice the apples for even cooking.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set properly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can add chopped nuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch if desired.
