Glazed Apple Pie Bars

Looking for a delicious dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a bar? These Glazed Apple Pie Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. With a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet apple filling, and a glossy glaze, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Glazed Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
– 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a crust layer.

3. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Spread the apple filling over the crust in the baking dish, making sure it’s distributed evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.

5. While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to achieve a drizzling consistency.

6. Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack.

7. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bars, allowing it to set for a few minutes before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles.

Enjoy these Glazed Apple Pie Bars warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of tea. The combination of buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and sweet glaze is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of fall into your kitchen any time of year!