Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars Recipe
If you love warm, cozy desserts with classic flavors, this Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars Recipe is perfect for you.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 medium apples peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
Prepare the Pan
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Leave extra paper hanging for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- Add flour, salt, and sugars to a large bowl. Mix gently until combined evenly.
Cut in Butter
- Add cold butter cubes. Use fingers to rub until crumbly and sandy.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Add egg and vanilla. Mix until dough starts holding together softly.
Form the Base
- Press two-thirds dough evenly into the pan. Make a smooth and firm base layer.
Prepare Apple Filling
- Add apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch to a bowl. Toss well.
Add Apple Layer
- Spread apple mixture evenly over the dough base. Press gently to level.
Add Crumb Topping
- Sprinkle remaining dough evenly over apples. Leave some apple pieces visible.
Bake the Bars
- Bake at 350°F for forty-five minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cool and Slice
- Cool completely before lifting out. Slice into neat bars using a sharp knife.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith.
- Slice apples evenly for even cooking.
- Keep butter cold for best crumb texture.
- Do not overbake or bars may dry.
- Let bars cool fully before cutting.
- Add extra cinnamon for stronger flavor.