Can I freeze apple pie bars and how should I do it?

Yes, apple pie bars can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor. You can warm them slightly before serving if you prefer them warm.

Do I need to peel the apples for apple pie bars?

It’s recommended to peel the apples before using them in apple pie bars. Peeling helps achieve a smoother texture and prevents the bars from becoming too chewy or tough from the apple skins. Using peeled apples also allows the filling to blend better with the crust and spices.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for apple pie bars so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. Salted butter contains varying amounts of salt, which may affect the flavor balance. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty result.

Can I double this apple pie bar recipe and bake it in a 9x13 pan?

Yes, the recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9x13-inch pan. Baking time will likely increase; start checking for doneness around 55 minutes and then every 5 minutes afterward. The bars should be golden brown and set in the center when done. Using a larger pan will give you thicker bars.

Is it possible to make gluten-free apple pie bars using almond flour?

Almond flour can be used to make gluten-free apple pie bars, but results may vary as it behaves differently than wheat flour. Almond flour absorbs moisture differently and may produce a denser texture. For best results, look for a tested gluten-free recipe or try combining almond flour with other gluten-free flours and adding a binder like xanthan gum.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe With Classic Spiced Filling And Crust

Name: Apple Pie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 550 g (4 and ½ cups or 4 medium) chopped cubed apples; – 30 g (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar; – 25 g (2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon) all-purpose flour or 1 tablespoon cornstarch; – 2 teaspoons lemon juice; – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; – ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; – 280 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour (dip and sweep method); – 185 g (¾ cup and 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes; – 105 g (½ cup) granulated sugar; – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ingredients

– 550 g (4 and ½ cups or 4 medium) chopped cubed apples

– 30 g (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar

– 25 g (2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon) all-purpose flour or 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 2 teaspoons lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 280 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour (dip and sweep method)

– 185 g (¾ cup and 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

– 105 g (½ cup) granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1-Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C): Grease an 8-inch square oven-proof dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side for easy removal.

2-Peel, core, and slice the apples into small pieces: Place them in a medium bowl and toss with lemon juice, sugar, flour or cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create the spiced filling.

3-In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, and sugar for the crust: Add the cold cubed butter and mix until it resembles breadcrumbs using two forks or your fingertips.

4-Spread two-thirds of the crust mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly.

5-Add the apple filling evenly on top of the crust layer.

6-Cover the apples with the remaining one-third of the dough, breaking it into large crumbles.

7-Bake for 55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the crumbles are crunchy. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours before slicing into 16 pieces.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍽️ Substitute cornstarch for flour in the filling for a lighter texture.
🍏 Choose Granny Smith apples for tartness or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste that holds up well during baking.
❄️ Freeze bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 205 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 55 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg