Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe—a delightful twist on the classic apple pie. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious apple pie filling infused with warm spices, and a sweet glaze drizzled on top. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a cozy dessert, each bite of these bars is a comforting taste of autumn that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe:

• Buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth.
• Sweet and spiced apple filling bursting with autumn flavor.
• A decadent glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Portable and easy to serve, making them perfect for gatherings or snacking on the go.

Personal Story: As the leaves began to change and the air turned crisp, my family would gather in the kitchen to bake our favorite autumn treats. Among them were these Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe—a beloved recipe passed down through generations. I can still recall the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the air as we peeled and sliced bushels of apples, transforming them into a deliciously spiced filling. The joy of sharing these bars with family and friends, accompanied by laughter and stories, remains one of my fondest memories of the season.

Key Features:

• A perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in every bite.
• Versatile dessert that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
• Simple yet elegant presentation that’s sure to impress.
• Easy to customize with different toppings or additions to suit your taste preferences.

What i need to make Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Shortbread Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Apple Filling:

• 4 cups apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the shortbread crust. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
4. In another bowl, toss together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
5. Spread the apple filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and tender.
7. While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more milk or powdered sugar.
8. Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bars, then allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
10. Serve the Glazed Apple Pie Bars warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips For Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe:

• For the best texture, make sure your butter is cold when making the shortbread crust. This will help create a tender and crumbly crust.
• Use a combination of tart and sweet apples for the filling to balance the flavors. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work well together.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk or cream used. For a thinner glaze, add more liquid until you reach your desired consistency.
• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the glazed bars before serving.

Variations For Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe:

• Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for extra sweetness and texture.
• Sprinkle a crumb topping over the apple filling before baking for a crunchy contrast to the tender apples.
• Serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Substitute the glaze with a caramel drizzle for a decadent twist on the classic recipe.

Make It Healthier:

• Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a healthier crust option.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and glaze for a less sweet dessert.
• Increase the fiber content by leaving the peel on the apples or adding oats to the shortbread crust.
• Serve the bars with a side of Greek yogurt or fresh fruit for added nutrition and balance.

Closing: Elevate your autumn baking with our Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe—a deliciously spiced dessert that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. With their buttery shortbread crust, tender apple filling, and sweet glaze topping, each bite is a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Whether enjoyed as a cozy treat on chilly evenings or served at festive gatherings with loved ones, these bars are a comforting reminder of the joys of fall. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible taste of autumn with our Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe:

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making the shortbread crust from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you prefer a shortcut. Simply roll out the pie crust to fit the bottom of the baking pan and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can I make Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly in the microwave before serving if desired.

Can I freeze Easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the bars for longer storage. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use a different type of glaze for the bars?

Absolutely! While the vanilla glaze adds a sweet finish to the bars, you can experiment with different glazes such as maple, caramel, or cream cheese for a unique twist on the recipe.

Can I add other fruits to the apple filling?

Yes, you can add other fruits to the apple filling for additional flavor and variety. Try mixing in diced pears, cranberries, or raisins for a delicious twist on the classic recipe. Just be sure to adjust the sugar and spice levels accordingly to balance the flavors.

Glazed Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Dessert

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• hortbread Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Apple Pie Filling:

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
• Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, using your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
• In a separate bowl, toss together the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until the apples are evenly coated.
• Spread the apple mixture evenly over the shortbread crust in the baking pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
• While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Add more milk or cream as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
• Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan.
• Drizzle the glaze over the top of the bars while they are still warm.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.