Apple Pie Bars with Streusel Topping
These apple pie bars feature sweet, spiced apples and a crunchy streusel topping, perfect as a casual dessert or for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced Tender and juicy for filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Sweetness enhancer
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour Binding agent for filling
- 1 tsp cinnamon Warm spice flavor
For the crust
- 3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature Moisture and richness for crust
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Additional sweetness for crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Main structural component for crust
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon Flavor depth in crust
- 1 pinch salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors
For the streusel topping
- 3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats) Adds texture and chewiness to streusel
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed Rich sweetness for streusel
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Thickens streusel topping
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon Harmonizes flavors in streusel
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed Creates a crumbly texture in streusel
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by preparing your baking pan. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
- For the crust, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread it evenly, and press down firmly.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Filling and Topping
- Prepare the apple filling by stirring together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon.
- For the streusel topping, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
- Once the crust has cooled, spread the apple filling evenly over it and sprinkle the streusel topping generously on top.
Baking
- Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
Serve warm as a dessert, or enjoy for breakfast with coffee. Store at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate for up to a week.