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Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars

These Apple Pie Bars have all the cozy flavor of classic apple pie, but in an easy-to-slice bar form! With a buttery crust, warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a golden topping, they’re perfect for potlucks, holiday trays, or a quick weeknight dessert. No fancy tools needed—just simple ingredients and big flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Pastry Crust:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cut into small cubes
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup milk 2% or whole
For the Apple Filling:
  • 5 cups peeled cored, and diced apples (I use a mix of Granny Smith & Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Topping:
  • 1 egg white lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar for that crunch

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or two forks
  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper (for easy lifting and cleanup)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Whisk or fork (for the egg wash)

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Crust
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and milk until the dough comes together.
  2. Press two-thirds of the dough into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Chill the remaining third of the dough in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
  1. In a large bowl, toss the apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the flavors can mingle.
  2. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Step 3: Add the Topping
  1. Crumble the remaining dough over the apples. It doesn’t need to cover them completely—those peek-through apples look beautiful when baked.
  2. Brush the top with beaten egg white and sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar.
Step 4: Bake
  1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
  2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This part is hard, but it helps them set up nicely.