Flaky Apple Pie Bars: The Perfect Portable Fall Dessert

 



1. Make the Crust Dough

  • In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt.

  • Add cold butter and pulse until crumbly.

  • Mix in egg yolk and ice water until dough just comes together.

  • Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, and chill 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

  • Toss apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, spices, and cornstarch in a bowl.

  • Let sit 15 minutes to macerate.

3. Assemble the Bars

  • Preheat oven to 375°F and line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment.

  • Roll out one dough disk to fit the pan’s bottom.

  • Spread apple filling evenly over crust.

  • Crumble or lattice remaining dough over the top.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

  • Bake 40-45 minutes until top is golden and filling bubbles.

  • Cool completely before glazing and cutting into squares.


Pro Tips for Bakery-Worthy Bars

🔥 Extra flaky layers – Keep butter ice-cold and handle dough minimally.
🔥 Prevent soggy bottoms – Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed nuts under filling.
🔥 Caramel twist – Drizzle 2 tbsp caramel sauce over apples before baking.
🔥 Freezer-friendly – Unbaked dough freezes well for up to 3 months.


Serving Suggestions

🍏 À la mode – Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
☕ Coffee pairing – Perfect with pumpkin spice lattes.
🎁 Gift idea – Package in cute boxes for holiday favors.

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