American-Inspired Apple Pie Bars Recipe

[wakabalo]

Howdy, food enthusiasts! Savor the comforting flavors of America with these American-Inspired Apple Pie Bars. This delightful dessert combines all the deliciousness of traditional apple pie into convenient and portable bars, making them perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home. With a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these apple pie bars are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion. Let's dive in and elevate your dessert experience with this delicious fusion creation!

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a separate mixing bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch until well coated.
   • Spread the apple mixture evenly over the prepared shortbread crust.
4. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
   • In another mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
   • Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking pan.
5. Bake the Apple Pie Bars:
   • Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
   • Remove from the oven and let the apple pie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Slice and Serve:
   • Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the apple pie bars out of the pan.
   • Slice into squares or bars and serve at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
7. Enjoy:
   • Enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of these American-inspired apple pie bars, a delightful fusion of buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly streusel topping that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

These American-inspired apple pie bars are a delightful fusion of classic flavors and textures, perfect for indulging in the comforting taste of apple pie in a convenient and portable form. Enjoy them with friends and family for a taste of traditional American dessert goodness!

 

[fluffyiyoyo]

Yum!!! These Apple Pie Bars look amazing Perfect fall treat - all the apple pie goodness in a bar, genius! Baking these this weekend for sure!

 

[chiumui]

The buttery shortbread crust and crumbly streusel topping have my mouth watering already. Can't wait to give this recipe a try, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Thanks for sharing this delicious gem—perfect for summer picnics and cozy family gatherings!

 

[Kitty]

A very yummy snack! thanks for sharing