Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars Recipe

This Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars Recipe is a sweet and buttery recipe, which includes Granny Smith apples and a crumbly shortbread crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food dessert, ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

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Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars Ingredients

For the crust and topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the apple filling:

• 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• Pinch of salt

How To Make Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars

1. Preheat the oven and prep the pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. Make the crust and topping: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup for topping.
3. Bake the crust: Press the remaining dough into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until evenly coated.
5. Assemble the bars: Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake until golden: Return to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
7. Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then slice into squares.
8. Serve: Serve as-is or warm slightly and top with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Recipe Tips

• What apples work best for pie bars?
  Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their shape and offer a tart flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Can I make these bars ahead?
  Yes, bake and cool completely. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.
• How to get clean slices?
  Let the bars cool fully before slicing, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
• Can I double the recipe?
  Yes, but you’ll need a larger sheet pan and may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
• Is the cinnamon in the crust necessary?
  It’s optional, but it adds warmth and complements the apple filling beautifully.

What To Serve With Apple Pie Bars

These apple pie bars are delicious on their own or paired with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Warm caramel drizzle
• Chai tea or apple cider
• A scoop of cinnamon gelato

How To Store Apple Pie Bars

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Freeze: Freeze cut bars in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Thaw at room temp and reheat if desired.

Apple Pie Bars Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Bar)

• Calories: ~280
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~2g
• Fat: ~15g
• Sugar: ~18g
• Sodium: ~90mg
• Fiber: ~2g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on portion size and ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, try Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady if you prefer a sweeter profile.

How do I prevent soggy bars?
Be sure to bake the crust before adding the apple filling, and let everything cool completely.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze after cooling, and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust.

Do I need a food processor?
No, you can cut the butter into the flour mixture by hand using a pastry cutter or fork.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Blueberry Lemon Cream Cake Recipe
• Ina Garten Peach Raspberry Crisp Recipe
• Ina Garten Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe