Pioneer Woman Apple Bars

This Pioneer Woman Apple Bars Recipe is a rich and spiced dessert, which includes Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. It’s a crowd-pleasing fall treat, ready in about 1 and 55 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Apple Bars Ingredients

• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 1½ 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
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1½ teaspoons apple pie spice
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream

How To Make Pioneer Woman Apple Bars

1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, beat butter, sugars, and vanilla until airy (4–5 minutes). Mix in flour and salt until just combined.
3. Form the base: Press 3/4 of the dough into the pan base and slightly up the sides. Chill for 15 minutes, then bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack.
4. Prep the apple filling: Toss sliced apples with vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and salt.
5. Assemble the layers: Spread apples evenly over the cooled crust. Combine pecans with the reserved dough and scatter over the apples.
6. Bake the bars: Bake for 1 hour, rotating halfway, until apples are tender and topping is golden. Cool completely in the pan.
7. Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
8. Glaze and serve: Lift the bars from the pan using parchment, drizzle with glaze, and cut into squares.

Recipe Tips

• Best apples to use: A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provides tartness and sweetness.
• How to keep crust crisp: Chill the crust before baking and avoid overloading with filling.
• Can I skip the glaze? Yes, the bars are delicious even without it.
• How to cut clean slices: Chill completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
• Can I freeze these bars? Yes, freeze before glazing and wrap well.

What To Serve With Apple Bars

These bars are perfect with:

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• A mug of hot apple cider
• Spiced chai tea
• Fresh fruit salad

How To Store Apple Bars

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Freeze bars (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Apple Bars Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 137 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 19mg
• Sodium: 44mg
• Potassium: 69mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g
• Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods used.

FAQs

Can I use only one type of apple?
Yes, but a mix offers better flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to slice apples thinly?
Use a mandoline or sharp knife for even slices.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they taste great the next day and freeze well too.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Is the cream cheese glaze optional?
Yes, but it adds a rich, tangy finish that complements the apples.

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Pink Lemonade Pie
• Pioneer Woman Peach Ice Cream
• Pioneer Woman Piña Colada Cake