Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars
Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars with a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumble topping. All the flavor of apple pie in an easy-to-serve square.
16 Servings
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 Granny Smith apples peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour divided
- 1/2 cup plus 4 tablespoons brown sugar divided
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
- Prepare the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Press and Bake the Base: Line a 9"x9" deep-sided baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring it is smooth and level. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Apple Layer: While the base bakes, place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of flour, 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Layer the Apples: Remove the base from the oven and arrange the spiced apple mixture evenly over it, pressing down gently to ensure they stay in place.
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a food processor or blender, combine the remaining brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Pulse or blend until the mixture resembles wet sand with small clumps.
- Bake the Bars: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples in an even layer, covering them completely. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set. Once chilled, cut into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent. This will ensure the bars retain their texture without compromising flavor. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.