Description
These apple pie bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a warmly spiced apple filling, and a crunchy crumb topping. They’re the perfect easy dessert for fall, great for freezing, and ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium apples (about 550g), peeled, cored, and chopped – adds sweetness and texture
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – sweetens the apple filling
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour – thickens the apple mixture
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice – prevents browning and adds brightness
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warm spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – enhances flavor depth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – base for crust and crumble
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cubed – creates a tender crust
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the dough
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – infuses crust and crumble with flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and line with parchment paper.
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. Toss with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the crust. Add cold cubed butter and cut it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Lightly flour your hands or spoon to prevent sticking.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining dough over the apples, squeezing some of the dough into larger crumbs for texture.
- Bake for 55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the crumble is firm.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into 16 squares.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Cold butter is essential for a crisp, flaky shortbread crust.
- Bars slice best when completely cooled or chilled.
- You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: apple pie bars, apple crumble bars, shortbread apple bars, fall dessert, easy apple dessert