Have you ever heard the phrase, “as American as apple pie“? I’ve always wondered what that meant. Recently, I learned that soldiers during WWII used to tell reporters that they enlisted “for mom and apple pie.” If the soldiers were saying it, it must be true– there’s no pie more patriotic! These apple pie bars are inspired by classic apple pie but streamlined to make life easier. Celebrating Independence Day has never been simpler!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Enjoy chilled or gently microwaved.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these apple pie bars warmed with a heaping scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream. The way the ice cream melts into the bars is so luscious! They’re also great with a dollop whipped cream. For a truly indulgent treat, I like to drizzle mine with homemade caramel sauce and flaky salt. Salted caramel? Yum!
How to Make Apple Pie Bars Step by Step
Make the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease with butter. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt. Using a cheese grater, grate 1 cup of cold salted butter into the bowl, using your fingers to work it into the flour mixture. Bake the Crust: Reserve ¾ cup of the mixture. Press the remaining mixture into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Mix the Filling: While the crust bakes and cools, make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the 5 peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook the Filling: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan set over medium heat. Once melted, add in the apples and cook for 7-8 minutes until softened and the mixture has thickened. Spread the Filling: Spread the apples in an even layer over the crust. Add the Crumble: Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the top of the apples. Bake the Bars: Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown. Cool, Cut, and Serve: Let the bars cool before cutting and serving.
