Get ready to make some delicious apple pie bars that will become your new fall favorite.
These Pioneer Woman apple pie bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a sweet and spiced apple filling.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to throw together, yet the end result feels like a special treat.
Pro tip: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples can add depth to the flavor, making each bite more interesting.
Don’t forget to let the bars cool completely before cutting them to get those clean, perfect squares.
You’ll also appreciate how these bars are easy to serve and share.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Confectioner’s Sugar
- 1 tbsp Milk or Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 6 large Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until airy and light.
Step 3:
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture, blending until combined and the dough forms.
Step 4:
Press about 3/4 of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
Step 5:
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with ground cinnamon until they are well coated.
Step 6:
Layer the cinnamon-coated apple slices evenly over the pressed dough in the baking pan.
Step 7:
Crumble the remaining dough over the apple layer, making sure to cover as much of the apple filling as possible.
Step 8:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 9:
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Cold Butter for Crumble:
Make sure to use cold butter when preparing the crumb topping, as this helps to achieve a perfect crumble texture.
Choose the Right Apples:
Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a balanced flavor in the filling.
Lining the Pan:
Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bars once they are baked and cooled, ensuring cleaner cuts.
Cooling Before Cutting:
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, as this helps the crust and filling to set properly and makes slicing easier.
Add a Drizzle:
For an extra touch, you can drizzle a simple icing made of confectioner’s sugar and milk over the cooled bars for added sweetness.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars
Vanilla Ice Cream
One classic pairing is a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your apple pie bars.
The creamy texture and refreshing coldness provide an excellent contrast to the warm, spiced apples and buttery crust.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of freshly whipped cream can be a delightful addition.
It adds a light and airy feel to each bite and complements the rich flavors of the pie bars.
Cheese Plate
For a unique twist, try serving a small cheese plate with sharp cheddar, brie, and blue cheese.
The savory and occasionally tangy notes from the cheese can balance the sweetness of the apple pie bars.
Salted Caramel Sauce
Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the bars for an extra layer of flavor.
The salty-sweet combination can heighten the enjoyment of the dessert.
Spiced Nuts
Consider serving some roasted spiced nuts on the side.
They provide an extra crunch and the spiciness pairs well with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the apple filling.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily modify the Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars to suit your preferences or to use ingredients you have on hand.
If you want a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping. This addition gives the bars a delightful crunch and extra richness.
Gluten-Free Option
You can make these apple pie bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the flour blend includes xanthan gum for best results in binding.
You can also experiment with different types of apples for the filling. Use Granny Smiths for a tart taste or Honeycrisps for a sweeter flavor. Mixing different kinds of apples can give a more complex flavor.
If you prefer, swap out the traditional white sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia.
Doing this will reduce the overall sweetness but keep the buttery richness intact.
Switch up the spices by adding a bit of nutmeg or allspice to the filling. These spices complement the cinnamon and bring out a warm, cozy flavor.
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars
Room Temperature
You can store your leftover apple pie bars at room temperature for up to two days.
Place them in an airtight container.
Keep the container in a cool, dry place.
Refrigeration
For longer storage, refrigerate the bars.
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container.
They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days.
Freezing
If you need to store them for a longer period, freezing is an option.
Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.
You can freeze them for up to four months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Dough
You might be tempted to mix the dough until it is very smooth, but avoid this.
Overmixing can make the dough tough rather than giving it that perfect shortbread texture you want.
Mix just until the ingredients come together for the best results.
Uneven Apple Slicing
Cutting apples into uniform slices ensures that they cook evenly.
If your slices are too varied in size, some may be undercooked while others become mushy.
Try using a mandoline or a sharp knife to get consistent slices.
Skipping the Chill Time
It’s important to chill the dough as recommended in the recipe for at least 20-30 minutes.
Skipping this step can cause the dough to spread too much while baking, leading to bars that are too thin.
Chilling helps solidify the butter, allowing the crust to maintain its shape.
Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Confectioner's Sugar
- 1 tbsp Milk or Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Butter softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 6 large Apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until airy and light.
- Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture, blending until combined and the dough forms.
- Press about 3/4 of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
- In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with ground cinnamon until they are well coated.
- Layer the cinnamon-coated apple slices evenly over the pressed dough in the baking pan.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the apple layer, making sure to cover as much of the apple filling as possible.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars.