Once you make these Apple Bars, you will want to make them ALL THE TIME! This recipe is fool proof. It's quintessentially Fall, using fresh Apples that are in season, but really- who doesn't love pie all year round!? I know I do and I make these every Fourth of July. Serve them warm with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Cold with hot morning coffee, or just at anytime for a sweet snack! This recipe makes about 9 Apple Bars and takes a few hours from start to finish, but I promise, it's worth it!!!
Pictured: Cold Apple Bars with Coffee
Apple Pie Filling:
5-6 Crisp Apples; Gala, Honey Crisp, Fuji all work well. Peeled, De-seeded & Sliced ¼” thick
3 Tbsp. Butter
1 tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Nutmeg
2 Tbsp. Sugar
½ tsp. Salt
Half of a lemon; juiced
Cinnamon Shortbread Crust:
2 Cups AP Flour
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 Cup Butter (2 Sticks) Softened
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Vanilla
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 9x9” baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a standing mixer, combine Softened Butter and Sugars with paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy; about 3-5 minutes.
3. Next, add Vanilla Extract, Salt & Cinnamon. Gradually add Flour until pea size clumps start to form. Mix for about 4-5 minutes. The Dough should be loose and on the drier side but hold together when you pinch it.
4. Using about 2/3 of Dough, push it down into the bottom of the pan to form the bottom layer of crust. Reserve the rest of the dough in the refrigerator until needed.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes until the crust turns golden.
6. While the bottom Crust is baking, begin to cook the filling. In a heavy bottom large saucepan, Melt Butter, 2 tablespoons of Sugar, Salt, Cinnamon & Nutmeg together on low heat. You do not want the butter to brown.
7. Add Apple Slices and Lemon Juice and fully coat with the Butter Sugar, then let simmer on low until tender and gooey. About 20 minutes.
9. Once the Crust is cooked, fill with Apples and crumble the remaining Chilled Dough over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
10. Remove the Apple Bars from the oven; let cool and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Once fully cool, remove the parchment from the pan and cut the bars into squares. Serve cold or warm, best with Vanilla Ice Cream!
Pictured: Apple Bars Assembled before being baked. STEP 9
Tips for Recipe:
You can use one kind or a variety of Apples. I tend to always choose a few kinds for different flavors and textures.
If using Salted Butter, there is no need to add the additional Salt to the recipe.
Depending on how you prefer your Apple Filling; you can cook the Apples down more for a softer texture or less for a bit of a crunch. I do recommend cooking them until you can easily cut through with a fork so they aren't raw. About 20 minutes.
Check out my blog recipes for the Cinnamon Vanilla Whipped Cream- That goes SO WELL with these!
Please share your feedback and comment below!! Use hashtag #saltsandseasons on my social media pages and I hope you and everyone you know LOVE this recipe!
-Alexandra
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