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Apple Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust 1

Apple Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

These Apple Pie Bars transform the classic dessert into convenient, portable bars that deliver all the comfort of traditional apple pie without the fuss of rolling out perfect pie dough. The buttery shortbread base provides a deliciously sturdy foundation for the sweet-tart apple filling, making these bars perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Pastry Cutter
  • Measuring Cups

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar coconut sugar works for a caramel undertone
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter cubed (use cold coconut oil for dairy-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Filling

  • 5-6 medium apples preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh-squeezed provides the brightest flavor
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed (dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice optional, but adds wonderful depth
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted

Crumble Topping

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined. Add the cold cubed butter and vanilla extract. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Press the shortbread mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create a smooth, even surface. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
  • While the crust bakes, peel, core, and thinly slice the apples (aim for ¼-inch thickness). Toss them immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • In a separate bowl, combine both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Add this mixture to the apples along with the melted butter, and toss until every slice is evenly coated.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the mixture until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
  • Once the crust has pre-baked, arrange the apple filling in an even layer over the warm shortbread base. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering completely.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, at least 2 hours at room temperature (or speed up the process with 1 hour in the refrigerator after cooling for 30 minutes at room temperature).
  • Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert out of the pan. Cut into 16-20 bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for the cleanest edges.

Notes

- For the best texture, keep your butter cold throughout the preparation process.
- Slice your apples uniformly for even cooking.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
- These bars freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
- For a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar by up to 25% without significantly affecting taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 95mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin C: 15mgIron: 8mg
Keyword Apple Pie Bars, Shortbread Crust, Fall Dessert, Apple Dessert
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