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Apple Pie Bars

These homemade Apple Pie Bars have all the cozy flavor of classic apple pie in an easy-to-serve bar. A tender homemade crust surrounds a warmly spiced Granny Smith apple filling, then the top is brushed with milk and sprinkled with sugar for a lightly crisp, golden finish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil avocado oil may also be used
  • 1/3 cup milk low-fat or whole milk
Apple Filling
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour or Minute Tapioca
  • 8 cups Granny Smith apples about 2 pounds, peeled, cored, and cut into large 1-inch chunks
Topping
  • milk for brushing
  • 2 teaspoons sugar for sprinkling

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Fork
  • Rolling Pin
  • Wax paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prepare the Crust
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Add the vegetable oil and milk all at once and stir with a fork until a dough forms.
  4. Divide the dough evenly in half and shape each half by hand into a smooth mound.
  5. Roll one mound between two sheets of lightly floured wax paper into approximately an 8-inch square. Set aside for the top crust.
  6. Roll the second mound between two sheets of wax paper into approximately a 9-inch square. Transfer it to the bottom of an ungreased or parchment-lined 8x8-inch square baking pan, pressing some of the crust slightly up the sides. Alternatively, press the dough directly into the pan by hand.
Prepare the Apple Filling
  1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour or Minute Tapioca.
  2. Add the prepared Granny Smith apples and toss until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Spread the apple filling evenly over the bottom crust in the prepared pan.
  2. Place the reserved top crust over the apples. Patch any tears as needed; a few small openings are fine.
  3. Brush the top crust lightly with milk and sprinkle evenly with 2 teaspoons of sugar.
  4. Using a sharp knife, poke about 9 small holes in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  5. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the top crust is golden brown and the apple filling is tender.
  6. Allow the bars to cool before cutting into 9 squares and serving.

Notes

Granny Smith apples work especially well because their tart flavor balances the sweetness of the filling.
Either all-purpose flour or Minute Tapioca can be used to thicken the apple filling.
A few small cracks or openings in the top crust are perfectly fine and will allow steam to escape while baking.
Allow the bars to cool before slicing so the filling has time to set and the squares hold together more cleanly.