Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced (approximately 3 cups) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon cornstarch When measuring flour, spoon it into a cup and level it off. This method keeps your bars from becoming dry. For brown sugar, pack it tightly in the cup. This ensures a sweet and moist texture. Use a kitchen scale for more accuracy if you have one. You can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. For a different flavor, use light brown sugar instead of dark. Apples can be replaced with pears or peaches for a fresh twist. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil in place of butter. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need basic items like flour, sugars, butter, and apples. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You can use a 9x9-inch baking pan for these bars. Grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. This helps in removing the bars easily later. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined. Next, add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla to the dry mix. Stir until you see a soft dough. It should not have any dry flour spots. Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it into the bottom of your pan. This creates a nice base for your apple filling. In another bowl, mix the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Toss well so each apple piece is coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough in the pan. Crumble the rest of the dough on top of the apples. This gives a rustic look and lets some apples peek through. Bake the pan in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and tender apples. Once your bars are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. This makes cutting much easier. Slice them into squares. For a special touch, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature! To make the best dough, mix your dry ingredients first. This helps blend the flavors. When you add melted butter, mix until it forms a soft dough. If your dough feels too sticky, add a little flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water. This balance is key to a chewy texture. To achieve even baking, spread the dough evenly in the pan. Press it down firmly to create a solid base. Keep an eye on the oven. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even heat. Check the bars a bit early; you want a golden top, not a burnt one. These bars shine when served warm. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. You can add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for richness. For a fun twist, drizzle caramel sauce over each piece. These simple steps make your dessert even more delightful! {{image_4}} You can swap apples with other fruits. Try pears for a sweet twist. Peaches add a juicy flair. Cherries bring a tart kick. Berries mix well and brighten the flavor. Each fruit changes the pie bars' taste and texture. To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. The result will be just as tasty without the gluten. This way, many can enjoy these treats. Enhance the flavor by adding nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans give crunch. You can also mix in a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. A splash of maple syrup boosts sweetness. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite! To keep your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will last up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. You can freeze these bars for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. These bars can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat your bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their soft texture. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream! Yes, you can use other apples. I like Granny Smith for tartness. Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can mix varieties for a great taste. Make sure to peel and core them first. Dice them into small pieces for even cooking. To make these bars vegan, swap the egg for flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. This keeps the rich flavor while making it plant-based. To reheat leftovers, use an oven at 350°F. Place the bars on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat each bar for 20-30 seconds. Enjoy warm for the best taste! This blog post covered how to create delicious baked goods from scratch. We discussed the key ingredients, their measurements, and substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. Tips and tricks helped you perfect dough texture and even baking. We explored variations for flavors and dietary needs, plus how to store and reheat leftovers. Now you can confidently make these treats and share them with others. Enjoy your baking journey!$

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars

Indulge in the bliss of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars with this easy-to-follow recipe! Enjoy a delightful blend of soft apples, warm cinnamon, and a crumbly topping that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll create a mouthwatering dessert that is sure to impress. Click to discover the full recipe and treat yourself to these delicious bars that combine the flavors of fall in every bite!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced (approximately 3 cups)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for a seamless removal process later.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly blended.

Introduce the melted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Stir until a soft, cohesive dough forms, ensuring there are no dry flour spots.

Take approximately two-thirds of your dough and firmly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will create an even base for the bars.

In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with the lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Ensure each piece of apple is well-coated in the mixture, as this will enhance flavor and texture.

Evenly spread the apple mixture over the layer of dough in the pan, distributing it gently to cover the surface.

Crumble the remaining third of the dough over the top of the apple filling. Aim for a rustic look, letting some apple peep through.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the top is a lovely golden brown and the apples are tender.

Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out of the pan, and then cut it into squares.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 9 bars

- Presentation Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving. Consider garnishing each piece with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a scrumptious finishing touch!