Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Flaky apple pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, offering all the warm and comforting flavors of autumn in a portable, easy-to-enjoy form. These bars feature layers of tender, spiced apples and a buttery, flaky crust that will transport you to a cozy orchard with every bite. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating your own batch of flaky apple pie bars that are perfect for autumn gatherings, picnics, or simply savoring with a cup of warm cider.

Ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 4-5 medium-sized apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Beat the egg in a small bowl and then add it to the crumbly mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

1. Divide the dough in half.
2. Press one half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
3. In another mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples and lemon juice, tossing to coat the apples.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and cornstarch.
5. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the apples and toss until the apples are coated.

Step 4: Add the Apple Filling

1. Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan.

Step 5: Create the Topping

1. Take the remaining half of the dough and crumble it evenly over the apple filling to form the topping.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
2. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the pan with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the flaky apple pie bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Once cooled, cut them into bars of your desired size.
3. Serve these autumn-inspired treats and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors and textures.

 

Flaky apple pie bars are a slice of autumn bliss that captures the essence of the season in every bite. These portable, hand-held treats combine the warmth of spiced apples with a buttery, flaky crust, making them perfect for enjoying during fall gatherings or as a comforting dessert any time of the year. So, whip up a batch of these bars and relish the flavors of fall in a convenient and delicious form.