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Easy One-Pan Apple Pie Bars with Cinnamon Streusel Topping

A close-up, appetizing shot of a thick slice of apple pie bars with a buttery crust and generous crumble topping.
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Make comforting apple pie flavor in a simple bar format. These bars feature a buttery shortbread base, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling (or 3 cups fresh, diced apples mixed with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling, if using fresh apples)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Mix in 2 cups of flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Press two-thirds of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Prepare the filling: If using canned filling, spread it evenly over the warm crust. If using fresh apples, toss the diced apples with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then spread over the crust.
  5. Prepare the streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of flour, brown sugar, oats (if using), and nutmeg. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter (or use the remaining dough mixture if you only made one batch of crust dough) until coarse crumbs form.
  6. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple filling.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For a caramel apple pie bar variation, drizzle cooled bars with caramel sauce before serving.
  • You can make these ahead of time; they store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
  • If you prefer a softer crust, chill the dough for 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/apple-pie-bars-easy-one-pan-dessert/