Mom'S Apple Pie Bars
Mom's Apple Pie Bars offer a delightful blend of flaky crust and tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Sweet and aromatic, they're perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon treats, combining crisp pastry with juicy apples for a comforting dessert that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup shortening like pie crust.
- In a measuring cup, put the egg yolk and fill with milk to measure 2/3 cup; set whites aside for later.
- Combine the egg yolk mixture with the flour mixture to form dough.
- Slice the apples into thin pieces.
- In a small bowl, blend 1 1/3 cups sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 4 tablespoons tapioca, and 2 tablespoons flour.
- Mix the sliced apples with the sugar-cinnamon-tapioca-flour mixture until well coated.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Pat half of the dough into the bottom of a prepared cookie sheet to form a crust.
- Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the apples.
- Crumble or roll out the remaining dough and place it over the apples as a top crust.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, use chilled shortening and handle the dough as little as possible. If you prefer a healthier alternative, consider using coconut oil or butter in place of shortening. For a flavor twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture. Ensure the apples are tart for the best flavor balance, similar to what's found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious apple pie bars warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a delightful breakfast option, they pair beautifully with Marge'S Apple Puffed Pancake. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the bars in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also enjoy them cold or at room temperature for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Apple Pie Bars contains roughly 379 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% 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 different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing different apple varieties can enhance the flavor. Tart apples like Granny Smith balance well with sweeter options like Fuji or Honeycrisp. This combination will add complexity to the filling and make your pie bars even more delicious.
What can I substitute for tapioca in the filling?
If you don't have tapioca, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Use the same amount as the tapioca called for in the recipe. Both alternatives will help to thicken the juices from the apples and prevent a soggy crust.
How can I make the crust more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of the crust, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of sugar to the dough. You can also incorporate finely grated lemon zest for a bright, fresh taste that complements the apple filling beautifully.
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).