Description
These Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a spiced apple filling and a crunchy oat streusel topping. Perfect for an easy dessert that captures the classic flavors of apple pie in convenient, sliceable bars.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Apple Filling
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the bars can be lifted out easily after baking.
- Make and bake crust: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour until the mixture forms a dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of flour. This coating will thicken the filling and add spice. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Make streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, and flour. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake the bars: Place the assembled pan back into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The apples should become tender, and the topping should be golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 12 bars and serve. Enjoy the delicious apple pie flavors in every bite!
Notes
- Use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
- You can add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving.
