Hamdi Saidani Pioneer Woman Apple Bars recipe are a delicious twist on apple pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet and tart apple filling, and a crumbly topping. This recipe serves 12-16 people and takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to prepare and bake.
Try More Pioneer Woman Apple Recipes:
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Apple Bars Recipe:
- Easy to Make: The process is relatively straightforward, making it a manageable dessert to prepare.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The bars are easy to cut and serve, making them perfect for sharing.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of sweet apples, buttery crust, and crumbly topping is irresistible.
- Versatile: You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking.
- Perfect for Fall: These bars are a comforting and delicious treat for the autumn season.
❓ What Is Pioneer Woman Apple Bars Recipe?
Pioneer Woman Apple Bars recipe involves creating a shortbread crust, filling it with a mixture of sweet and tart apples, and topping it with a crumbly streusel. The result is a bar cookie that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
🍎 Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
🥮 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugars, and vanilla until combined and airy (about 4-5 minutes).
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour and salt and mix on low speed until just combined.
- With lightly moistened hands, press about 3/4 of the crust mixture along the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the crust is golden brown (about 20-25 minutes). Place on a wire rack to cool.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the vinegar. Add the brown sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and salt, and toss well to coat.
- Spread the apples evenly over the cooled crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Tear the reserved crust mixture into small pieces. Combine the pecans with the dough pieces. Scatter the mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 1 hour, rotating the pan halfway through, until the apples are fork-tender and the topping is golden brown. Cool completely in the pan (about 1-2 hours).
- In a medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk or cream. Whisk until combined and smooth.
- Once the bars are cool, lift them from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board. Drizzle evenly with the glaze. Cut into squares and serve.
💭 Recipe Tips:
- Apple Selection: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the crust can make it tough.
- Even Apple Layer: Spread the apples evenly to ensure even baking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
🥃 What To Serve With Apple Bars?
Apple Bars pair well with Apple Pie Ice Cream,Apple Butter Frosting, or a drizzle of caramel sauce serve them with a warm cup of coffee, Apple Cider or hot tea. A dusting of powdered sugar or Applesauce adds extra flavor and texture.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Apple Bars?
- Refrigerator: Store leftover apple bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze leftover apple bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Apple Bars?
- In The Oven: Reheat leftover apple bars on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for up 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
- In The Microwave: Reheat leftover apple bars in the microwave on medium power for up 30-60 seconds or until warm.
FAQ’S
What are the best apples to use for Apple Bars?
The best apples for Apple Bars are firm and slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold their shape while baking and balance the sweetness of the dessert.
How do I prevent Apple Bars from becoming too soft?
To prevent Apple Bars from becoming too soft, avoid overloading them with moisture-rich apples. Toss the apples with a little flour or cornstarch before layering them to help absorb excess liquid.
Can I make Apple Bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free Apple Bars by using a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and topping. Make sure all ingredients, including oats if used, are certified gluten-free.
Can I use canned apples for Apple Bars?
Yes, canned apples can be used for Apple Bars, but fresh apples provide a better texture and flavor. If using canned apples, drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Why are my Apple Bars too dry?
Apple Bars may be too dry if there isn’t enough moisture in the apples or if they were overbaked. Make sure to use juicy apples and bake just until golden brown.
How do I cut Apple Bars neatly?
To cut Apple Bars neatly, let them cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for clean, even squares.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 137 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg
- Sodium: 44 mg
- Potassium: 69 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Iron: 1 mg
Pioneer Woman Apple Bars
Description
Pioneer Woman Apple Bars recipe are a delicious twist on apple pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet and tart apple filling, and a crumbly topping. This recipe serves 12-16 people and takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugars, and vanilla until combined and airy (about 4-5 minutes).
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour and salt and mix on low speed until just combined.
- With lightly moistened hands, press about 3/4 of the crust mixture along the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the crust is golden brown (about 20-25 minutes). Place on a wire rack to cool.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the vinegar. Add the brown sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and salt, and toss well to coat.
- Spread the apples evenly over the cooled crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Tear the reserved crust mixture into small pieces. Combine the pecans with the dough pieces. Scatter the mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 1 hour, rotating the pan halfway through, until the apples are fork-tender and the topping is golden brown. Cool completely in the pan (about 1-2 hours).
- In a medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk or cream. Whisk until combined and smooth.
- Once the bars are cool, lift them from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board. Drizzle evenly with the glaze. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Apple Selection: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the crust can make it tough.
Even Apple Layer: Spread the apples evenly to ensure even baking.
Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
