Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Make the Pie Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball. Divide the dough into two halves, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough is chilling, peel, core, and slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Roll Out the First Dough Half
Once the dough has chilled, roll out one half on a floured surface to fit the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the rolled-out dough into the dish and press it into place.
Add the Apple Filling
Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
Roll Out the Second Dough Half
Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the apple filling. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Bake the Apple Pie Bars
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the dish. Once cooled completely, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
These apple pie bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They taste amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw before serving.
Apple Varieties
For the best flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
Adjusting Sweetness
Feel free to adjust the sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference.
