Get ready to transform your kitchen into a heavenly bakery with these irresistible Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars! Imagine biting into a perfect blend of buttery, crumbly crust and tender, spiced apples that will transport you straight to dessert paradise. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these bars are about to become your new obsession - promising all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in a convenient, shareable format that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed and no lumps remain.
- Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a crumbly dough forms that can hold together when pressed.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the dough firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even bottom crust. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to compact the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with vanilla extract, ensuring each apple piece is coated.
- Spread the prepared apple mixture evenly over the pressed crust, creating a uniform layer of fruit.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the apple layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping that covers most of the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. This allows the bars to set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 even squares, ensuring a clean cut with a sharp knife.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for extra indulgence.
Tips
- • Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance • Make sure your butter is fully melted but not hot when mixing with dry ingredients • Don't overmix the dough - you want a crumbly, sandy texture that will hold together when pressed • Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting • Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape • For extra richness, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
