There’s something undeniably delightful about the aroma of freshly baked apple pie wafting through the house. It’s warm, inviting, and comforting—a true embodiment of home. Today, we’re putting a twist on this classic favorite with our recipe for Apple Pie Bars. These bars combine all the flavors of a traditional apple pie in a convenient, handheld treat that’s perfect for a cozy evening in or a special gathering with loved ones. Let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious Apple Pie Bars that are sure to become a new household favorite.
**Apple Pie Bars**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Crust:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
– In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
– Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
2. **Make the Apple Filling:**
– In another bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
– Stir in the sliced apples until evenly coated.
– In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and nutmeg together. Add this mixture to the apple mixture and toss until the apples are coated.
3. **Assemble and Bake:**
– Spread the apple mixture over the partially baked crust, ensuring an even layer.
– Crumble any remaining crust mixture over the top of the apple layer.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
4. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Allow the Apple Pie Bars to cool in the pan before slicing them into bars.
– Optional: Dust the bars with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
– Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
These delectable Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie on the go. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a cozy treat, these bars are sure to impress with their buttery crust and spiced apple filling. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of these homemade Apple Pie Bars.
