Apple Pie Bars

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. For the crust, place butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and creamy.
3. Sift the flour and salt together. With the mixer on low, gradually add to the butter-sugar mixture until combined.
4. Scatter two-thirds of the dough in clumps into a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan. Press lightly with floured hands across the bottom and about 1/2 inch up the sides. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
5. Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
6. Place the remaining dough back in the mixing bowl, add walnuts and cinnamon, and mix on low until combined. Set aside.
7. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). For the filling, combine Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples with lemon juice in a large bowl. Add sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring to coat evenly.
8. Melt the butter in a large 10-inch pot over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and most liquid has evaporated.
9. Spread the cooked apples evenly over the prepared crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
10. Pinch medium pieces of the reserved walnut dough and drop them evenly on top of the apple filling. The topping does not need to cover the apples completely.
11. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden brown. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 12–16 bars
• Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Use different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter filling.
• Substitute pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the bars before serving for extra indulgence.
• Make a gluten-free version using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions