Apple pie is a beloved classic dessert that evokes nostalgia and comfort with every bite. However, making a traditional apple pie can be time-consuming and challenging for some. Enter the Apple Pie Bars – a convenient, easy-to-make, and equally delicious alternative that captures all the flavors of a traditional apple pie in a portable bar form. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy treat at home. Let’s dive into how to create these scrumptious Apple Pie Bars.
Ingredients
To make these delightful Apple Pie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3-1/4 cups flour, divided
- 10 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced (about 9 cups)
- 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). This ensures that the oven reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the dough and filling.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until the mixture is well blended and creamy. Gradually add 3 cups of flour, mixing on low speed after each addition until the dough is just blended. The resulting dough should be smooth and slightly sticky. Divide the dough into two equal balls.
- Roll Out the Dough: Place one ball of dough on a large, lightly floured sheet of waxed paper and flatten it slightly. Cover the dough with a second sheet of floured waxed paper. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 15-1/2×10-1/2 inches. Remove the top sheet of waxed paper and discard it.
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Invert the prepared pan over the rolled-out dough. Carefully flip the dough and pan together so that the pan is now on the bottom. Remove the second sheet of waxed paper and gently press the dough onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Preparing the Filling
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and slice the Granny Smith apples until you have about 9 cups. These tart apples are perfect for baking as they hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and the remaining 1/4 cup of flour. Toss the sliced apples with this mixture until they are evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan.
Completing the Bars
- Top with Second Crust: Roll out the second ball of dough in the same manner as the first, using floured waxed paper to achieve a 15-1/2×10-1/2-inch rectangle. Remove the top sheet of waxed paper and carefully flip the dough over the apple filling. Discard the waxed paper and tuck the edges of the dough down the sides of the pan to enclose the apples. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown. This baking time allows the crust to become crisp and the apples to soften and meld with the sugar and cinnamon.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
Adding the Final Touch
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of water to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the warm apple pie bars.
- Final Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. This cooling period helps the bars to set, making them easier to cut and serve.
Serving and Enjoying
- Serve: Once cooled and cut, these Apple Pie Bars can be served as a delightful dessert or snack. They are perfect for sharing at parties, enjoying with a cup of coffee, or packing in a lunchbox for a sweet treat on the go.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Success
- Consistent Slices: To ensure even cooking, try to slice the apples uniformly.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting helps them set properly and prevents them from falling apart.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations
- Add Nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apple filling before adding the top crust.
- Caramel Drizzle: Replace the powdered sugar glaze with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
- Spice Mix: Experiment with adding other spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the apple mixture for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Bars offer a wonderful twist on the traditional apple pie, combining the same delicious flavors in a more convenient and shareable form. The combination of a buttery, flaky crust, tart and sweet apple filling, and a sweet glaze makes these bars a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Follow these steps to create a batch of scrumptious Apple Pie Bars that will delight everyone who tastes them. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!
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Scrumptious Apple Pie Bars: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 pkg
(8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup
butter, softened
3-1/4 cups
flour, divided
10
Granny Smith apples, peeled, sliced (about 9 cups)
1-1/4 cups
granulated sugar
1 tsp
ground cinnamon
3/4 cup
powdered sugar
1 tbsp
water
Instructions
Step 1
Heat oven to 400ºF.
Step 2
Beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl with mixer until blended. Gradually add 3 cups flour, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Shape into 2 balls. Place 1 ball on large lightly floured sheet of waxed paper; flatten slightly. Cover with second floured sheet of waxed paper. Roll out dough to 15-1/2×10-1/2-inch rectangle. Discard top sheet of waxed paper.
Step 3
Spray 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray; invert over rolled-out dough. Flip dough and pan together. (Pan will be on bottom.) Remove second waxed paper sheet; gently press dough onto bottom and up side of pan. Toss apples with combined granulated sugar, cinnamon and remaining flour; spread onto bottom of crust.
Step 4
Repeat rolling out of remaining dough ball to make second rectangle. Remove top sheet of waxed paper; carefully flip dough over apples. Discard waxed paper. Tuck edges of dough down sides of pan to enclose apples. Cut several slits in top crust to vent steam.
Step 5
Bake 35 to 40 min. or until golden brown. Cool 15 min.
Step 6
Mix powdered sugar and water; drizzle over dessert. Cool 30 min. before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg