Description
These Apple Pie Bars offer all the comforting, cozy flavors of a traditional lattice-topped fruit pie in an easy, portable handheld format. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, tender cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples, and a crunchy pecan topping, this dessert bridges the gap between busy weeknights and festive holiday gatherings. It is the ideal foolproof solution for anyone seeking the classic taste of autumn without the complexity of rolling out traditional pastry dough, ensuring consistent perfection in every single bite.
Ingredients
2 cups butter, softened for the crust
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (for crust)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp kosher salt
6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, lightly coating it with cooking spray.
Beat the 2 cups of softened butter with sugars in a large bowl until creamy.
Gradually add flour and salt to the butter mixture until a dough forms.
Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
While the crust bakes, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Combine the chopped pecans with the melted 3/4 cup butter and sprinkle over the apple layer.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 45-60 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and bubbling.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing to allow the fruit layer to set properly, creating neat squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a warmer treat, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 80
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg