This apple pie bar recipe is perfect for a crowd and so fun since you cut it into bars and serve. I have another post on how to make a homemade apple pie on the blog as well if a traditional pie is more your thing! Or my apple pie cookies and this Puff Pastry Apple Tart are fun spins on this classic dessert! I snagged this apple pie bar recipe from Cameron’s Grandma recently. She makes it often and it’s always a hit when we all get together. I tested out Ina Garten’s recipe and it was obviously amazing. I mean, it has 4 1/2 sticks of butter in it how could it not be amazing?! Although I must say, I wasn’t a fan of using the the dough for the both the crust and the topping so I made my own oatmeal streusel topping. I think the slightly crunchy oats adds a delicious dimension to this apple pie bar recipe. The oatmeal streusel topping is so great too because it’s simple to prepare and can be prepared actually 1 day ahead. It may seem like there are a lot of steps to making these bars, so making the streusel topping in advance just means one less thing to do on the day you make these apple pie bars. Don’t be intimidated by the 3 layers! It’s not as labor intensive as it may seem. The shortbread crust is easier to make than a homemade pie crust, and it’s so buttery and delicious!
Softened butter: you’ll need unsalted butter softened to room temperature for the shortbread crust. Granulated sugar and brown sugar: for the shortbread crust, and you’ll also need some brown sugar for the streusel topping, too. Vanilla Extract: be sure to use a pure vanilla extract All-Purpose flour: I have not tested this recipe with almond flour or any other alternatives. However, Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-1 is a great option if you need to make these gluten free. Apples: I use ~6-8 apples (~3 lbs), and a mix between Pink Lady & Granny Smith or sweet + tart apples) Cornstarch: the thickener for the apples Lemon Juice: freshly squeezed Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: not quick cook or 1-minute, the old fashioned oats hold up much better for the streusel topping.
The shortbread crust, apple pie filling and delicious streusel topping are all simple to make and create the most delicious apple pie bar recipe ever. Let’s do it!
