Description
These apple pie bars capture the nostalgic warmth of a classic orchard dessert in a convenient, handheld form. Featuring a buttery, shortbread-style base topped with tart, cinnamon-spiced apples and a satisfyingly crunchy oat streusel, they offer the perfect balance of textures. Easy to bake and even easier to share, these bars bridge the gap between a traditional pie and a cookie, making them an ideal treat for potlucks, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. No complex pie crust rolling required; they are foolproof, delicious, and deeply comforting.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
For the crust, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt; cut in cold butter and vanilla until crumbly.
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.
While the crust bakes, toss the apple slices with melted butter, vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
In a small bowl, combine the oats, 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to create the streusel.
Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
Ensure the apples are sliced thinly and uniformly to ensure they cook through evenly. Letting the bars cool completely is essential for the filling to set properly, making them sliceable. These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg