Buttery Apple Pie Bars with a Flaky Crust

These Buttery Apple Pie Bars with a Flaky Crust are the perfect blend of a classic apple pie and a convenient dessert bar. Featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with tender spiced apples and a sweet crumb topping, these bars capture the warmth and comfort of traditional apple pie without the fuss of making a full pie. Drizzled with an optional vanilla glaze, they’re an ideal treat for fall gatherings or a cozy weekend indulgence.

Buttery Apple Pie Bars with a Flaky Crust

Ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling:

4 to 5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

A pinch of ground cloves

Optional Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some extra to hang over the edges for easy lifting later.

Create the Crust and Topping: In a large bowl, combine the 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms small crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

Form the Crust: Press the rest of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the parchment-lined pan. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it becomes lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until the apples are fully coated with the mixture.

Layer the Bars: Evenly spread the apple mixture over the pre-baked crust. Then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the apples to create the topping.

Bake the Bars: Place the pan back into the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are soft.

Make the Optional Glaze: While the bars cool, mix the powdered sugar with the milk or cream (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed) and vanilla extract until you have a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled bars.

Serve: After the glaze has set, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or bars, and enjoy!

Notes:

Apple Variety: A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples provides a balance of tart and sweet flavors. You can experiment with other varieties like Fuji or Braeburn, depending on your preference.

Crust and Topping: The same dough mixture is used for both the crust and topping, making this recipe easier. Be sure to reserve some of the mixture for sprinkling over the apples before baking.

Chilled Butter: Using cold, diced butter ensures the crust is flaky and crumbly. Don’t skip this step, as it helps create the right texture for both the crust and topping.

Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves gives the filling a warm, spiced flavor. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preference.

Optional Glaze: The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and looks beautiful drizzled over the bars. However, if you prefer a less sweet treat, you can skip this step.

Make-Ahead Tip: These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert for parties or holiday gatherings. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the bars warm or at room temperature, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 12 bars | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other apple varieties like Fuji, Braeburn, or even Golden Delicious.

A mix of sweet and tart apples works best for a balanced flavor.

Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use pre-made pie crusts for both the bottom and topping layers.

Just press one crust into the pan for the base and crumble the other over the apples.

How can I make the crust more flaky?

Ensure your butter is very cold and handle the dough as little as possible.

For extra flakiness, you can chill the dough before pressing it into the pan.

Can I prepare the bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day or two in advance.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

What can I use instead of ground cloves?

If you don’t have ground cloves, you can omit them or use a pinch of allspice or additional cinnamon as a substitute.

Can I freeze these apple pie bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I use a different type of sugar for this recipe?

You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Coconut sugar or other sweeteners can be used as well, but they might slightly alter the texture.

How can I make these bars vegan?

To make the bars vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a flax or chia egg replacement instead of any eggs if your recipe calls for them.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking pan well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Aluminum foil can also be used as a substitute.

How do I adjust the recipe for a different pan size?

If using a different pan size, adjust the baking time accordingly.

A smaller pan will make the bars thicker and may require a longer baking time, while a larger pan will make them thinner and might require less time.

Check for doneness by looking for a golden topping and tender apples.