Apple Pie Bars for Thanksgiving: A Deliciously Easy Dessert

Apple pie is a Thanksgiving classic, but sometimes you want something a little easier and more portable. Enter: Apple Pie Bars. These bars deliver all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie in a convenient, crowd-pleasing format. They’re perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or even just a cozy night in.

Why Apple Pie Bars are Perfect for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But let’s be honest, prepping a huge holiday meal can be stressful. That’s where apple pie bars shine.

• Easy to Make: Unlike a traditional pie, these bars require minimal fuss. No rolling out finicky pie crusts or worrying about a soggy bottom!
• Perfect for a Crowd: They’re easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for feeding a large group.
• Portable: Taking dessert to a Thanksgiving gathering? Apple pie bars are easy to transport without the risk of a pie dish sliding around in your car.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, adding different spices, nuts, or even a caramel drizzle.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves apple pie, and these bars capture all those classic flavors in a fun and approachable way.

The Ultimate Apple Pie Bar Recipe

This recipe provides a delicious and versatile base for your own apple pie bar creations. Feel free to adjust the spices and toppings to your liking.

Ingredients:

• • For the Crust:

   1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

   ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

   ½ cup packed light brown sugar

   ¼ teaspoon salt

• • For the Apple Filling:

   6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced

   ¼ cup granulated sugar

   2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

   1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

   ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

   1 tablespoon lemon juice

• • For the Crumble Topping (Optional):

   ½ cup all-purpose flour

   ¼ cup packed light brown sugar

   ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

   ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper (this makes removing the bars easier). Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

2. Make the Apple Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat.

3. Assemble and Bake: Remove the crust from the oven and spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. If desired, prepare the crumble topping by combining the flour, brown sugar, butter, and nuts (if using) in a bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.

4. Bake: Bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

5. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Tips and Variations for Perfect Apple Pie Bars

Want to take your apple pie bars to the next level? Here are some helpful tips and delicious variations to try:

• Choose the Right Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples will give your bars the best flavor. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith are all great choices.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the apple filling is spread in an even layer. Overcrowding the pan can lead to soggy bars.
• Pre-Bake the Crust: Pre-baking the crust ensures it’s crisp and sturdy enough to hold the apple filling.
• Add a Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness and decadence. Use a quality caramel sauce for best results.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice. A pinch of sea salt can also enhance the flavors.
• Nutty Goodness: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the crumble topping for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Make sure the blend is suitable for baking and contains xanthan gum.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan butter substitute for the crust and crumble topping. Make sure to use a brand that is solid when cold.

Serving and Storing Your Apple Pie Bars

These apple pie bars are best served at room temperature or slightly warmed.

• • Serving Suggestions:

   Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

   Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

   Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate sauce.

   Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.

• • Storing Instructions:

   Store leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

   To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use store-bought pie crust? Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust to save time. Just make sure to pre-bake it according to the package instructions.
• Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy? Pre-baking the crust and avoiding overcrowding the pan are the best ways to prevent a soggy crust.
• What kind of apples should I use? A mix of sweet and tart apples is ideal. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith are all great choices.
• Can I freeze apple pie bars? Yes, you can freeze apple pie bars. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.