Description
These Apple Pie Bars with Streusel Topping offer a delicious twist on classic apple pie, combining a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are baked to golden perfection in a 9×13-inch pan and serve easy-to-cut squares that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms and comes together.
- Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, then mix well until the apples are fully coated with the mixture.
- Assemble the Filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust in the baking pan.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the topping mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add the Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the crumbly streusel topping evenly over the apple filling layer.
- Bake the Bars: Return the baking pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the apples have softened and are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes to set. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan easily. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the filling.
- Ensure the butter for the crust is softened but not melted to achieve the ideal texture.
- The lemon juice in the filling helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a subtle tang.
- You can store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Warming the bars slightly before serving enhances the flavor and texture.
