These Easy Apple Pie Bars are a treat! With a buttery shortbread crust and tasty apple filling, they’re like a slice of grandma’s pie, but much easier to handle!
Trust me, the crust is amazing! It crumbles perfectly and pairs so well with the sweet apples. I love enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—so good! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the shortbread crust its rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use margarine or even coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the texture may vary.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for the crust. If you prefer a gluten-free version, a gluten-free all-purpose blend can work well, but ensure it has xanthan gum included for structure.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and perfect for baking, but feel free to mix them with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor. If you don’t have fresh apples, you could use canned pie filling as a shortcut!
Spices: Cinnamon is a must for that classic apple pie flavor! Nutmeg is optional but adds warmth. If you don’t have nutmeg, a pinch of allspice can be a nice substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Apples?
Getting the apples ready is key to a delicious filling! Follow these steps to make sure they cook evenly and have great flavor:
- Peel and core the apples first. A good paring knife or apple corer makes this easier.
- Slice the apples thinly; this helps them cook faster and fit nicely in the bars.
- Toss them with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning and add a bit of tangy flavor. Then, mix in the sugars and spices to coat them well before layering them over your crust.
These steps ensure your apple filling is sweet, tart, and super tasty!
Easy Apple Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (about 4 medium apples; Granny Smith or a mix of sweet-tart apples recommended)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping (optional):
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar or turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 50 minutes for baking. After baking, you’ll want to let the bars cool completely, so plan for a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious apple pie bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang so you can easily lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
3. Press Crust into Pan:
Take about two-thirds of the shortbread dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the crust layer. Set aside the remaining dough for the topping.
4. Bake Crust Partially:
Pop your crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until it’s just starting to set. But don’t let it brown just yet! Once done, take it out and set it aside.
5. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a big bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Then, add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix it all together to make sure the apples are evenly coated.
6. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the warm shortbread crust. Make sure to distribute the apples nicely so every bite has that delicious filling!
7. Add Shortbread Topping:
Crumble the remaining shortbread dough over the top of the apple filling. For an extra touch of sweetness and crunch, you can sprinkle coarse sugar on top!
8. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly:
Put the pan back in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and you see the apple filling bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help them set properly. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and cut them into squares.
10. Enjoy:
Serve the bars as they are, or warm them up a bit more with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream. They’re perfect for sharing! Enjoy your delicious apple pie bars!
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These apple pie bars are a fantastic treat! The buttery shortbread crust creates a delightful base for the spiced apple filling. Great for parties, school lunches, or a cozy night in!
FAQ for Easy Apple Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even Gala apples. A blend of sweet and tart apples enhances the flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Can I Make the Crust Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the shortbread crust in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking it. Alternatively, you can freeze it for longer, allowing it to thaw in the fridge before using.
What Can I Use Instead of Butter for a Dairy-Free Option?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just ensure it’s softened before mixing it into the crust!
