Welcome to my kitchen, where we are whipping up some delightful Apple Pie Bars. These bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. I remember making these with my son, Jake, who insisted on adding extra cinnamon because he thought it would make them taste like Grandma's famous apple pie. Spoiler alert: he was right!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They are a simple way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie without the fuss of a traditional pie crust.
- Perfect for potlucks or dessert tables, these apple squares will impress everyone.
- You can use store-bought apple pie filling, making them quick to prepare.
Pure Comfort
These Apple Pie Bars are pure comfort food. They combine the sweet and tart flavors of apples with a buttery crust that melts in your mouth. Each bite is like a warm hug, making them a go-to for any dessert lover.
What You Need
- 2 all-purpose flour – cups
- 1 granulated sugar – cup
- 1/2 brown sugar – cup, packed
- 1 unsalted butter – cup, softened
- 2 eggs – large
- 1 vanilla extract – tbsp
- 1 baking powder – tsp
- 1 cinnamon – tsp
- 1 apple pie filling – can (21 oz)
- 1/2 powdered sugar – cup for dusting
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, they can be made a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.
- Pour the apple pie filling over the batter, spreading it out to cover the surface.
- Dollop the remaining batter on top of the apple filling, trying to cover it as best as you can.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing into bars.
Make It Perfect
- For a fun twist, add some chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw before serving.
Mix It Up
- Try using different types of apples for a unique flavor.
- You can substitute the apple pie filling with homemade apple crisp filling for a different texture.
- Add a crumb topping for a crunchy finish.
Perfect Partners
- Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Enjoy with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee.
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FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Just peel and slice the apples, and mix them with sugar and cinnamon before adding them to the bars.
How should I store leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week.
Conclusion
These Apple Pie Bars are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Whether you are looking for simple apple desserts or easy apple bars recipes, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy making these with your family, just like I did with Jake, and create sweet memories together.
Apple Pie Bars Recipe: Easy and Delicious
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Measuring Cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
Apple Pie Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.
- Pour the apple pie filling over the batter, spreading it out to cover the surface.
- Dollop the remaining batter on top of the apple filling, trying to cover it as best as you can.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing into bars.