Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe: A Delicious Dessert Delight
Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to embark on a delightful culinary journey with our Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe! These delicious bars feature a flaky pastry crust filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply craving a comforting dessert, these apple pie bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Join us as we explore the recipe, along with FAQs, cook’s notes, variations, and even keto-friendly and low-carb versions!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry if you prefer. However, homemade puff pastry or a high-quality commercial butter pastry will yield the best results.
Q: What type of apples should I use for this recipe? A: We recommend using large golden apples for their sweet flavor and firm texture. However, feel free to use your favorite variety of apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, depending on your preference.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the bars in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bars for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I skip the icing sugar dusting? A: While the icing sugar adds a decorative touch and a hint of sweetness, you can certainly omit it if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Alternatively, you can dust the bars with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb? A: Yes, we’ll provide keto and low-carb variations later in the post, so stay tuned for those!
Ingredients:
- 1 homemade puff pastry or 200g of sweet pastry (store-bought)
- 2 eggs
- 50g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 heaped tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 heaped tablespoons ground almonds
- 3 large golden apples
- 30g semi-salted butter
- 15g vanilla sugar
- Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pastry Crust:
- Roll out the puff pastry or sweet pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your baking dish. Transfer the pastry to a parchment-lined baking dish, pressing it gently into the corners and edges. Trim any excess pastry if necessary.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the golden apples. In a large skillet, melt the semi-salted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and vanilla sugar to the skillet, stirring to coat the apples evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and ground almonds until smooth. Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the prepared pastry crust. Pour the egg mixture over the apples, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
4. Bake Until Golden Brown:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing into bars.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, slice the Flaky Apple Pie Bars into squares or rectangles. Dust with icing sugar if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle the apple filling with a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg before baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pastry crusts, such as shortcrust pastry or filo pastry, for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
To make a keto or low-carb version of these Flaky Apple Pie Bars, consider the following substitutions:
- Use almond flour or coconut flour-based pastry dough instead of traditional puff pastry or sweet pastry.
- Substitute a low-carb sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia, for the sugar in the recipe. Adjust the quantity to taste, as low-carb sweeteners can vary in sweetness.
In conclusion, these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are a deliciously indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their buttery pastry crust, sweet apple filling, and hint of cinnamon, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served cold as a sweet snack, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
If you have any further questions or would like to share your experience with this recipe, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy baking!
