The scent of baking apples is pure nostalgia for me. It instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I’d perch on a stool, watching her expertly peel and slice apples, the air thick with cinnamon and warmth. She wasn’t a fancy baker, but her apple pie was legendary. It wasn’t perfect – always a little bumpy, the crust sometimes a bit too flaky – but it was made with love. This recipe for Apple Pie Bars with Streusel isn’t Grandma’s exact pie, but it captures that same feeling of comforting deliciousness, just in a delightfully easier-to-manage bar form.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Bars
Let’s be honest, who has time for a full-blown pie these days? These Apple Pie Bars are the answer. They deliver all the classic flavors of a warm apple pie – sweet, tart, spiced – but are significantly quicker to make. Here’s the breakdown of why they’re a winner:
- Easy Peasy: Seriously, this recipe is much simpler than a traditional pie. No fussy pie crust rolling required!
- Perfect Portion Size: Bars are easier to serve and grab a slice (or two!).
- Streusel Heaven: That crunchy, buttery streusel topping is the ultimate textural and flavor contrast to the soft, spiced apples.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the crust and apple filling a day in advance.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These are guaranteed to disappear at potlucks, bake sales, or just a cozy night in.
The Ingredient List – Gather Your Supplies!
Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing apple pie bars. Don’t worry, most ingredients you likely already have!
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are ideal), peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick (about 6 cups sliced)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to transform these ingredients into a delectable treat? Here’s the roadmap.
1. Make the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cubed cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want peas of butter still visible – this creates a flaky crust!
- Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar.
- Add Water Gradually: Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stop when the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix!
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Combine Apples & Spices: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice. This helps prevent browning and adds a touch of brightness.
3. Make the Streusel Topping:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and brown sugar.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cubed cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers (again, cold hands are helpful!) to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cinnamon.
4. Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Roll Out the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle slightly larger than your baking pan.
- Transfer to Pan: Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan, pressing it evenly into the bottom. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Add the Apple Filling: Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle with Streusel: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the streusel starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Patience is key! It needs time to set.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Let’s take these bars to the next level!
- Apple Choice: A mix of apples gives the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith provides tartness, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness and crispness. Fuji or Gala are also good choices.
- Spice it Up: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of ground cloves or ginger would be lovely.
- Caramel Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Brown Butter Streusel: Brown your butter before adding it to the streusel for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars are delicious on their own! Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per bar – based on 12 bars)
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
Please note that these are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Your New Favorite Dessert Awaits!
So, there you have it! Delicious, comforting, and relatively easy Apple Pie Bars with Streusel that will bring a little slice of grandma’s kitchen to your own home. Don’t be intimidated – give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! Happy Baking!
