Flaky Apple Pie Bars – If you’re craving the comforting flavors of apple pie. But want something a little easier to make. This Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe is the perfect solution. With a buttery, flaky crust. And a sweet apple filling. Topped with a crunchy crumb topping. These bars are everything you love. About apple pie. In a convenient, handheld form. Ready in under an hour. They’re ideal for a quick dessert. Or a sweet treat to share.
The first time I made these Flaky Apple Pie Bars. I was looking for a way. To satisfy my family’s love for apple pie. Without spending hours. In the kitchen. My husband is a huge fan of anything with apples. And our child loves anything. They can hold in their hands. When I served these bars. The reaction was pure delight. My husband couldn’t get enough of the flaky crust. And our child loved the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. Now, these bars have become a staple. In our home. Especially during apple season.
What makes this Flaky Apple Pie Bars truly special?
These Flaky Apple Pie Bars. Offer all the flavors of a classic apple pie. In a more manageable format. The crust is buttery and flaky. Providing a perfect base. For the tart Granny Smith apples. Which are sweetened. With a mix of brown and white sugar. And spiced with cinnamon. The crumb topping. Adds a delightful crunch. Thanks to the addition of crushed pecans. Plus, this recipe is versatile—you can easily adjust the sweetness. Or add your favorite spices. To make it your own. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert. That’s perfect for any occasion.
What You Need To Make This Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe?
Flour: This is the backbone of the crust. Providing the structure needed. For those beautifully flaky layers. To achieve the perfect texture. Make sure to measure your flour accurately—too much can make the crust dense. While too little can leave it too fragile. To hold the filling.
Butter or Shortening: The choice between butter. And shortening. Can affect the flavor. And the texture of the crust. Butter offers a rich flavor. And helps create a flaky texture. While shortening tends. To make the crust more tender. For the best of both worlds. Try a mix of both.
Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples are ideal for baking. Because they hold their shape well. And provide a lovely contrast. To the sweet sugars and cinnamon. Their firm texture. Ensures that the filling. Doesn’t become mushy during baking.
Cinnamon: This spice is a must. When it comes to apple desserts. It adds warmth. And enhances the natural sweetness of the apples. Making every bite comforting. And delicious.
Crushed Pecans: Adding pecans to the crumb topping. Introduces a delightful crunch. And a subtle nutty flavor. That complements the softness of the apples. And the richness of the crust.
Steps To Make Flaky Apple Pie Bars:
Step 1: Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven. To 375°F (190°C). To ensure it’s ready when you are.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl. Combine the flour. And 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Using a pastry cutter. Cut in the butter or shortening. Until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl. Beat the egg yolks with the milk. Then add this mixture. To the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Set aside ¼ of the dough. For the crumb topping. And press the remaining dough. Into the bottom. Of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 3: Make the Filling: Arrange the sliced apples evenly. Over the crust. In a small bowl. Mix together the brown sugar. With white sugar, and cinnamon. Then sprinkle this mixture. Over the apples.
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Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping: Take the reserved dough. And mix it with the additional brown sugar, crushed pecans, white sugar, and flour. Crumble this mixture. Over the top of the apples.
Step 5: Bake: Place the baking pan. In your preheated oven. And bake for 40 minutes. Or until the top is golden brown. And the apples are tender. Once done, remove the pan from the oven. And let it cool completely. Before cutting into 24 squares.
Tip:
To ensure your Flaky Apple Pie Bars have the perfect texture. Chill the dough before baking. Cold dough creates a flakier crust. Because it prevents the butter. From melting too quickly in the oven. Allowing it to create steam pockets. That puff up the layers. Also, when preparing the apples. Slice them uniformly thin. This ensures they cook evenly. And nestle perfectly into the crust. Without creating gaps. Or uneven spots. Finally, don’t skip the crumb topping. It adds a delightful contrast. That takes these bars. From good to irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness. You can use any apple variety you prefer. Just keep in mind. That sweeter apples may result. In a sweeter filling.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes. These bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container. At room temperature or in the refrigerator. They taste great. Both warm and at room temperature.
Can I freeze the bars?
Yes. You can freeze these bars. After they have cooled completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. And place them in a freezer-safe bag. Or container. They can be stored. For up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 ½ c of all-purpose flour
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 c of butter or shortening
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- ½ c of milk
Filling:
- 8 small Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- ¼ c of brown sugar
- ½ c of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Crumb Topping:
- Reserved dough from the bottom crust
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- Crushed pecans
- 1 tablespoon of white sugar
- 2 tablespoons of flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl. Combine the flour. And 3 tablespoons of sugar.
- Using a pastry cutter. Cut the butter or shortening. Into the flour mixture. Until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl. Beat together the egg yolks. And milk. Until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture. Into the flour mixture. And stir until a dough forms.
- Set aside ¼ of the dough. For the crumb topping.
- Press the remaining dough evenly. Into the bottom. Of a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Arrange the sliced apples evenly. Over the dough.
- In a small bowl. Mix together the white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then sprinkle this mixture. Over the apples.
- Take the reserved dough. And mix it with the additional ingredients. Listed for the topping. Crumble this mixture. Over the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven. For 40 minutes. Or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool. Before cutting into 24 squares.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
