Apple Bars For A Crowd
Sweet and tart apple bars with a flaky pastry crust and cinnamon-spiced filling, perfect for large gatherings or dessert tables, offering a nostalgic homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder to make the pastry dough.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a measuring cup, place egg yolks and stir in enough cold water to make a scant 1 cup.
- Sprinkle the egg mixture over the flour mixture and mix until combined.
- Divide the dough in half and roll out one half to line a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- Place the rolled-out dough in the pan and press to fit.
- Spread half the sliced tart apples evenly over the pastry in the pan.
- Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll out the second half of the dough and place over the apple filling.
- Trim and flute the edges of the crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flaky crust, ensure your shortening is very cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a sweeter filling, consider adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the apple mixture. Additionally, using a mix of sweet and tart apples can enhance the complexity of flavors in your bars.
Serving Suggestions
These apple bars are perfect as a dessert or snack. Serve them warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful treat for gatherings or afternoon tea. Consider serving alongside a light salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, keeping the crust crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Bars For A Crowd contains roughly 611 calories, with 7g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling. This will help maintain the texture of the bars. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different than using fresh apples, but they will still be delicious.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it holds together better. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make it tough. Additionally, ensure your shortening is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture to prevent dryness.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free apple bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure. You may need to adjust the water content slightly, so start with the same amount and add more as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).