If you’re craving a dessert that’s both comforting and easy to make, these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are the perfect choice. Combining tender, flaky pastry with a sweet apple filling and a crunchy crumb topping, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or family meal. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup butter or shortening
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
For the Filling:
- 8 small Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping:
- Reserved dough from the bottom crust
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Crushed pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust
- In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of flour and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Cut in 1 cup of butter or shortening using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in 2 egg yolks and ½ cup of milk until the dough comes together. You may need to adjust the amount of milk slightly to achieve a smooth, workable dough.
- Divide the dough into two portions: one for the bottom crust and one for the crumb topping. Flatten the portion for the bottom crust into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, toss 8 thinly sliced Granny Smith apples with ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ cup white sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until well coated. Set aside.
4. Roll Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough for the bottom crust to fit the prepared baking dish. Transfer it to the dish and press it evenly into the bottom. If the dough tears, patch it as needed.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes to set it slightly.
5. Assemble the Bars
- After pre-baking, remove the crust from the oven and spread the apple filling evenly over it.
- Roll out the reserved dough for the crumb topping. Before rolling, mix it with 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon white sugar, and 2 tablespoons flour. Add crushed pecans if desired for extra texture.
- Crumble the topping evenly over the apple filling. The topping should be in small pieces, not a solid layer, to allow the filling to peek through.
6. Bake
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
7. Cool and Cut
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares. This cooling period helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
Tips for Success
- Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe due to their tartness and firmness. They hold up well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet filling.
- Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for a bit longer. You can also use parchment paper to roll out the dough for less mess.
- Crumb Topping: For an extra crunch, add some crushed pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Flaky Apple Pie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. They’re perfect for a fall gathering, holiday dessert, or just a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Enjoy the sweet and spicy aroma of these apple pie bars as they fill your home, and savor every flaky, delicious bite!
