Apple Pie Bars
These Apple Pie Bars are the perfect blend of a tender, buttery crust, sweet cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a light powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or whenever you’re craving classic apple pie flavors in easy-to-serve bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 15 bars
Calories per serving: 325 kcal
Equipment
- Jelly roll pan (approx. 15×10 inches) or 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 7 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Fuji recommended, but any firm apple works)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 eggs (yolks and whites separated)
- ½ cup milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter and flour a jelly roll pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks with milk. Gradually add to the flour mixture, mixing with a fork until a dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and shape into a ball. Divide into two equal portions.
Roll Out and Assemble:
- Roll out one dough portion on a floured surface to fit your prepared pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it evenly into the bottom.
- Lightly brush the crust with a portion of the reserved egg whites.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss well to coat.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Top Layer:
- Roll out the second dough portion and carefully place it over the apple layer. Gently press to cover.
- Lightly brush the top crust with some of the remaining egg whites.
Bake:
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Once bars have cooled, drizzle glaze evenly over the top.
Slice and Serve:
- Cut into squares or bars and serve.
Recipe Notes
- Apple Choice: Fuji apples offer a great balance of sweetness and firmness, but Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala also work well.
- Time Saver: You may substitute 4 cups of canned apple pie filling for the fresh apple mixture.
- Crust Tips: The dough can be sticky; chill it in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to make rolling easier. If cracks occur, patch them easily with leftover dough.
- Pan Alternative: If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, use a large cookie sheet and press dough to approximately 15×10 inches.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 56mg
- Sodium: 189mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 29g
- Vitamin A: 460 IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 29mg
- Iron: 1mg