Apple Bars (Printable Version)
A flaky base layered with cinnamon apples and topped with a crumbly, buttery mixture. All the flavor of pie—with half the work!
# Ingredients:
→ Crust & Topping
01 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
02 -
2½ cups all-purpose flour
03 -
1 egg
04 -
½ tsp salt
05 -
1 cup granulated sugar
06 -
1 tsp baking powder
07 -
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
→ Apple Filling
08 -
2 tsp cinnamon
09 -
1 tsp cornstarch
10 -
4 cups peeled & diced apples
11 -
½ cup brown sugar
12 -
2 tbsp lemon juice
# Steps:
01 -
Turn your oven on to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment, making sure the edges hang over for easier removal later.
02 -
Using a food processor, mix the flour, cold butter cubes, sugar, salt, vanilla, egg, and baking powder. Blend until the texture looks crumbly. No food processor? A fork or pastry cutter will do the job too.
03 -
Use half of the crumbly dough to press a compact layer into the bottom of your prepared pan.
04 -
Bake this base for about 12 minutes, just until it starts to set and turns barely golden. Take it out, but don't turn the oven off.
05 -
While your crust is baking, grab a big bowl and toss your apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch until everything's coated evenly.
06 -
Add the apple filling in an even layer on top of the slightly baked crust.
07 -
Take the rest of the crumb mixture and scatter it on top of the apples evenly.
08 -
Put it back into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is a nice golden shade and the apples are bubbling near the edges.
09 -
Let it cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment to lift the bars out. Want clean slices? Stick it in the fridge for 2 hours before cutting.
# Notes:
01 -
These bars are way simpler to put together than traditional apple pie, but taste just as good.
02 -
Choose apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best results.