Introduction
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple pie. The flaky crust, the sweet and tangy apple filling, it’s a classic dessert that never fails to satisfy. But what if you could enjoy all the deliciousness of apple pie in a portable and easy-to-make bar form? Enter flaky apple pie bars, a delightful twist on the traditional dessert that will leave you craving for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These flaky apple pie bars offer all the flavors of a classic apple pie but with the convenience of a handheld treat. They are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or anytime you want to indulge in a delicious dessert on the go. The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced bakers. Plus, the combination of flaky crust and luscious apple filling is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
For the crust:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup ice water
For the apple filling:
– 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Divide the dough into two equal portions, one slightly larger than the other.
4. Roll out the larger portion of the dough into a rectangle slightly larger than the size of your baking dish. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to fit the bottom and sides.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract for the filling. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
6. Spread the apple filling over the crust in the baking dish, making sure it is evenly distributed.
7. Roll out the remaining portion of the dough into a rectangle and place it over the apple filling. Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal.
8. Using a sharp knife, make a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
10. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
Expert Tips for Success
– Make sure to use cold butter for the crust to achieve a flaky texture. Cut the butter into small cubes and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
– For the best results, use a combination of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work well in this recipe.
– If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can increase the amount of sugar in the apple filling. Adjust according to your taste.
– Serve these flaky apple pie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations and Substitutions
– You can add a streusel topping to the bars for added texture and flavor. Simply combine ½ cup of flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of cold butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the apple filling before baking.
– If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat flour for the crust or substitute part of the butter with coconut oil.
– Feel free to experiment with different spices in the apple filling. Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
These flaky apple pie bars are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bars in advance?
A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust instead?
A: While homemade crust yields the best results, you can certainly use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time. Just follow the instructions on the package for blind baking the crust before adding the filling.
Final Thoughts
Flaky apple pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering all the flavors of apple pie in a convenient handheld form. With their buttery crust and luscious apple filling, they are sure to please both young and old alike. Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet treat or sharing them with friends and family, these bars are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the joy of flaky apple pie bars for yourself?
Flaky Apple Pie Bars
Delightful twist on the classic apple pie, these flaky apple pie bars offer all the flavors of a traditional pie in a convenient handheld form. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a sweet treat on the go. Made with a buttery crust and luscious apple filling, these bars are sure to please both young and old alike.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup ice water
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into two portions, roll out the larger portion to fit the baking dish. Combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla for the filling.
- Spread apple filling over the crust in the baking dish. Roll out the remaining dough portion and place it over the filling. Seal the edges of the crusts together.
- Make slits on the top crust for steam to escape. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Cool before cutting into squares.
Nutrition Facts
