If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your family and friends, these Apple Pie Bars are a perfect choice. Combining a buttery, flaky crust with a sweet apple filling and a glossy vanilla glaze, these bars offer all the comfort of a traditional apple pie with less fuss. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, chilled (2 1/2 sticks)
• 1/2 cup ice water, plus more as needed

For the Filling:

• 4 cups apple pie filling (canned is fine)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons whole milk

Preparation:

For the Pie Dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Remove one stick of butter from the fridge and grate it over the flour mixture using a cheese grater. If the butter becomes too soft, place it back in the freezer to firm up, then continue grating the remaining butter. Stir the grated butter into the flour mixture as you go. Alternatively, you can cube the butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the 1/2 cup of ice water. Using a fork, mix quickly until combined.
4. Gradually add more cold water, 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring after each addition, until the dough holds together but is not sticky. You should see small pieces of butter throughout the dough.
5. On a lightly floured surface, gently knead the dough just to bring it together. Divide it in half and flatten each half into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Wrap each rectangle in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

For Assembling and Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan.
2. Lightly flour a work surface and roll out one rectangle of dough to fit the size of the pan. Press it into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the dough.
4. Roll out the second rectangle of dough to the same size and place it over the apple filling. You can also use a rolling pin to help transfer the dough. Pinch the edges of the dough together, though it doesn’t need to be completely sealed.
5. Cut a few vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through. Let the pie cool on a wire rack.

For the Glaze:

1. In a bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled pie.
2. Allow the glaze to set and harden before cutting into squares and serving.

Bonus Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling before baking. This will enhance the warm, comforting flavors of the pie bars.

Conclusion: These Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, perfect for any occasion. With a flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and a luscious glaze, they offer a comforting treat that’s both simple and elegant. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy baking and sharing these scrumptious bars!