Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 4 cups thinly sliced apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife
Step-by-step instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with an electric mixer until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Add the sliced apples and walnuts (if using) and toss until the apples are coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough in the baking pan.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
12 bars
Nutritional information:
Calories: 315
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 105mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
- You can use any type of nuts you prefer, or omit them altogether.
Variations:
- You can add a crumb topping to the bars by mixing 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup rolled oats, and 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cubed) until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apple mixture before baking.
- You can use different types of fruit, such as peaches, blueberries, or raspberries, instead of apples.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when you mix it with the flour mixture to ensure a flaky crust.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the bars cleanly.
Storage instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the bars, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter or individual plates. You can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with caramel sauce for a fancier presentation.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pairings:
The bars pair well with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
The bars can be served as a dessert on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until the dough comes together.
- If the bars are too soggy, make sure the apples are thinly sliced and spread evenly over the crust.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before preparing the recipe. Store the bars properly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Apple pie bars are a modern twist on traditional apple pie, which dates back to the 14th century. The first recorded recipe for apple pie was in 1381 in England.
Flavor profiles:
The bars have a sweet and buttery crust, with a spiced apple filling that is slightly tart. The walnuts add a nutty crunch to the bars.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the bars warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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