Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Apple pie bars offer all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in a handy, sliceable form. With a buttery base, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a delicate icing drizzle, they’re perfect for dessert or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

• 250g cold butter, cut into cubes
• 350g plain flour
• 150g light brown soft sugar, plus 3 tbsp
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 medium Bramley apples (around 900g), peeled, cored and cut into chunks
• 1¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 75g icing sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line an 18 x 28cm baking tin with baking parchment.
2. Step 2: Place the butter, flour, 150g brown sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tsp salt into a food processor. Blitz until the mixture comes together.
3. Step 3: Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared tin and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Keep the remaining dough chilled while you prepare the apples.
4. Step 4: Put the apples into a pan with 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the apples have softened but not broken down.
5. Step 5: Spread the cooked apples over the baked pastry base.
6. Step 6: Break up the remaining dough and dot it evenly over the apples. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the topping is cooked and golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and cool in the tin.
8. Step 8: Mix icing sugar with ¼ tsp cinnamon and about 2 tsp water to make a thick icing. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
9. Step 9: Slice into 12-16 squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples before adding the topping.
• Use a mixture of apple varieties to add depth of flavor.
• If you don’t have a food processor, rub the butter into the flour and sugar by hand until crumbly, then stir in the vanilla.
• Omit cinnamon for a milder apple flavor or add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.

Storage

Store apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, warm briefly in the oven or microwave to restore softness and aroma.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, while Bramley apples are ideal for cooking due to their tartness and texture, you can use other cooking apples or a mix for varied flavor.

Can I freeze the apple pie bars?

Yes, freeze sliced bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 73 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x

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Description

Deliciously buttery and tender apple pie bars featuring a crisp pastry base and crumbly topping, filled with tender, cinnamon-scented Bramley apples and finished with a sweet icing drizzle. Perfect as a comforting dessert or snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 250g cold butter, cut into cubes
• 350g plain flour
• 150g light brown soft sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt

Apple Filling

• 4 medium Bramley apples (around 900g), peeled, cored and cut into chunks
• 3 tbsp light brown soft sugar
• 1¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ lemon, juiced

Icing

• 75g icing sugar
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• About 2 tsp water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and tin: Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line an 18 x 28cm baking tin with baking parchment to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
2. Make the pastry base: Place the cold butter, plain flour, 150g of brown sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tsp salt into a food processor. Blitz the mixture until it comes together into a dough. Press two-thirds of this dough evenly into the prepared baking tin and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Keep the remaining dough chilled while making the filling.
3. Cook the apple filling: In a pan, combine the apple chunks, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften but do not break down completely.
4. Assemble and bake the bars: Spread the cooked apples evenly over the baked pastry base. Break up the reserved dough and dot pieces evenly over the apple layer. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the topping is cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin.
5. Prepare and drizzle the icing: Mix the icing sugar and ¼ tsp cinnamon in a small bowl. Add enough water (approximately 2 tsp) to create a thick but drizzling consistency. Drizzle this icing over the cooled apple pie bars.
6. Slice and serve: Cut the bars into 12-16 squares. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.

Notes

• Use Bramley apples for the best tart flavor and texture; other cooking apples can be substituted.
• The cinnamon is optional but adds a warm spice note complementing the apple filling.
• Chilling the remaining dough helps it maintain a crumbly texture when baked on top of the filling.
• Baking in a fan oven at 160C ensures even cooking without drying out the bars.
• The bars can be served warm or at room temperature and pair wonderfully with custard or cream.
• Store in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: apple pie bars, Bramley apples, dessert bars, cinnamon apple dessert, baked apple bars, homemade apple pie, easy dessert