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Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Apple Pie Bars blend sweet tart apples with warm spices, all nestled in a buttery crust. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for gatherings, bringing a slice of home and nostalgia to every bite. Try them today for a delightful treat that everyone will love!
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Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 48 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups Unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 0.75 cups Granulated sugar
  • 3 cups All-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 0.5 cups Packed light brown sugar
  • 6 pounds Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored and thinly sliced)
  • 1 tablespoons Ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 cups Water (as necessary)
  • 3 cups Quick cooking oats
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups Packed light brown sugar
  • 1.25 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoons Baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1.5 cups Unsalted butter cut into cubes and chilled

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Chef's Knife
  • Peeler
  • Frying Pan
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
  2. With an electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  3. At low speed, beat in the flour, spices, and salt until a soft dough forms.
  4. Press the dough over the bottom of the prepared pan and 1/2 inch up the side in an even layer.
  5. Bake in the center of the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and set. Let cool on a rack.
  6. In a very large, deep skillet, melt the butter with the brown sugar. If you don't have a large skillet, divide between 2 skillets.
  7. Add the apples to the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
  8. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are caramelized and very tender and the liquid is evaporated, about 10 minutes longer.
  9. Let cool.
  10. In a large bowl, mix the oats with the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
  11. Using fingers (wash your hands and take off your rings first!), squeeze the butter into the oats and sugar and crumble together until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
  12. Spread the apple filling over the crust. Scatter the crumbs on top, pressing them lightly into an even layer.
  13. Bake in the center of the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the topping is golden.
  14. Let cool completely on a rack before cutting into 2-inch bars.

Notes

  • Tip 1: For this recipe, the 12x17-inch rimmed baking sheet (half sheet pan) is easiest to use. It fits perfectly in this pan.
  • Tip 2: This recipe makes a large quantity. Make sure you have lots of people to feed.
  • Tip 3: The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days or frozen for up to a month.