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Flaky Apple Pie Bars offer all the delicious flavors of a traditional apple pie but in a convenient, easy-to-serve bar form. With a crumbly shortbread crust, tart Granny Smith apples, and a sweet, crunchy pecan topping, these bars are a perfect dessert for gatherings. The combination of soft apples, buttery crust, and spiced topping is sure to satisfy your apple pie cravings without the hassle of rolling dough.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 egg yolks
1 cup butter or vegetable shortening
2 tbsp granulated sugar
½ cup milk

For the Filling:

8 small Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping:

Reserved dough from crust preparation
1 tbsp brown sugar
Handful of crushed pecans
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and granulated sugar. Stir well.
Form the Dough: Using a pastry cutter, blend the butter or shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and milk, then add to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Reserve Topping Dough: Set aside ¼ of the dough for the topping.
Assemble the Crust: Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Prepare the Filling: Arrange sliced apples over the crust. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the apples.
Make the Topping: Combine the reserved dough with brown sugar, crushed pecans, granulated sugar, and flour. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over the apples.
Bake: Bake for 40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

Nutrients

Calories: 180-220 per bar
Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Fat: 10-12g
Protein: 2-3g
Fiber: 3-4g

These Flaky Apple Pie Bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and comfort in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, they make apple pie even more accessible and fun!

Why Flaky Apple Pie Bars are a Must-Try

What makes Flaky Apple Pie Bars so special is their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The shortbread crust is buttery and crumbly, while the apples offer a tangy sweetness that complements the cinnamon and sugar. The topping adds an extra layer of sweetness and crunch with the addition of pecans, making each bite a delightful combination of soft, flaky, and crunchy. These bars are a simplified version of apple pie, making them easier to prepare and serve, while still delivering all the nostalgic, comforting flavors we love about this classic dessert.

These apple pie bars are also highly versatile. They can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a refreshing treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a dessert for a family dinner, or just want a sweet snack, these bars are a perfect choice.

The Key Ingredients in Flaky Apple Pie Bars

The ingredients for Flaky Apple Pie Bars are simple yet come together to create a delicious, comforting dessert. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Granny Smith Apples: These apples are tart and firm, making them perfect for baking. Their tartness balances out the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon, creating a flavorful filling.
Shortbread Crust: The crust is made from butter, flour, egg yolks, and milk, which results in a buttery, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect base for the apple filling.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: The brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the apple filling, while the granulated sugar helps balance the tartness of the apples.
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the perfect spice to complement the apples, providing warmth and depth of flavor.
Pecans: The crushed pecans in the topping add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, elevating the texture and richness of the bars.

How to Make Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Making Flaky Apple Pie Bars is relatively simple and requires only a few steps. Here’s how to prepare them:

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Stir well to combine.
Form the Dough: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter (or shortening) into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and milk together. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Reserve Topping Dough: Set aside about ¼ of the dough to be used for the topping later.
Assemble the Crust: Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Prepare the Filling: Arrange the sliced apples over the crust in an even layer. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
Make the Topping: In another small bowl, combine the reserved dough with brown sugar, crushed pecans, granulated sugar, and flour. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle the topping over the apples.
Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbling.
Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing them into squares. They can be served warm or at room temperature.

Why These Apple Pie Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Flaky Apple Pie Bars are the ideal dessert for a variety of occasions. They are easy to make in advance, can be served warm or chilled, and are easy to slice and serve. These bars are perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to serve a comforting dessert that everyone will love. The combination of soft apples, buttery shortbread, and crunchy pecan topping makes these bars a guaranteed hit at any event.

Tips for Making the Perfect Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples are the best choice for this recipe because of their tartness and firm texture. Other tart apples, such as Honeycrisp, will also work well, but Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking.
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough difficult to work with, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This will help it firm up and make it easier to handle.
Customize the Topping: Feel free to experiment with the topping by adding different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or even a sprinkle of oats for extra texture.
Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: These apple pie bars are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Flaky Apple Pie Bars are a delicious and convenient twist on traditional apple pie. With a buttery shortbread crust, tart apples, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a crunchy pecan topping, these bars deliver all the comforting flavors of apple pie in an easy-to-serve form. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, a party, or a special occasion, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delightful, homemade dessert that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Try making these Flaky Apple Pie Bars today—you won’t regret it!

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