Description
These Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, warmly spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping for the perfect handheld dessert—just like classic apple pie, but way easier!
Ingredients
For the Buttery Shortbread Crust & Crumble:
2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure
1 cup cold unsalted butter – Creates those flaky layers we love
½ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and caramel notes
¼ cup granulated sugar – Balances sweetness
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all other flavors
For the Spiced Apple Filling:
6 large apples, peeled and diced – The star of the show
½ cup granulated sugar – Adjust based on apple sweetness
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the filling
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Classic apple spice
¼ teaspoon nutmeg – Adds warmth
2 tablespoons lemon juice – Prevents browning and adds brightness
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Don’t over-mix.
4. Reserve 1½ cups of this mixture for your crumble topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into your prepared pan.
5. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
7. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until apples are slightly softened and the mixture has thickened.
8. Remove the par-baked crust from the oven and spread the warm apple mixture evenly over the surface.
9. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples, pressing gently.
10. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Notes
Expert Tip: The butter MUST be cold! Cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts, resulting in a flakier, more tender texture. Cut into cubes and freeze for 10 minutes before using.
Apple Variety Tips:
– Granny Smith: Tart, holds shape well – top choice
– Honeycrisp: Sweet with good texture, but softens easily
– Braeburn: Balanced flavor and bakes beautifully
Try mixing varieties for complex flavor!
Pro-Tip: Use a metal pan for crispier edges. If using glass, increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American