Last year around this time, I shared these Small-batch Pumpkin Shortbread Bars, and I love that recipe, but I’ve been dreaming about an apple version ever since. So today, that’s what I’m sharing: Small-batch Apple Pie Bars! These bars turned out to be everything I wanted and more. On the bottom layer, you have a buttery beautiful shortbread layer. Over that is a slightly gooey center of diced apple, cinnamon, sugar, and a little lemon juice to brighten everything up. And on the very top is a crunchy streusel topping. Lots and lots and lots of streusel topping.
This recipe is made in a 7×5-inch dish (as usual, I used a rectangular 3-cup Pyrex dish) and makes 6 very generous squares or 8 smaller ones. You could also cut them super small and make cute Apple Pie Bites. The bars are a tiny bit more labor intensive than some of my other fall recipes, but I think the finished product is well worth it, and none of the steps are difficult. The shortbread base is your classic easy shortbread recipe, and the worst thing about the apple layer is that you have to peel an apple. Then after you get your hands a little dirty mixing up the crumble, you get to enjoy the amazing way your house will smell while everything bakes together.
If you’re craving pie, these bars hit all those Dutch Apple Pie sweet spots without requiring you to mess with pie dough. AND they have a higher ratio of sweet crunchy stuff to fruit than pie, so in my book, that’s major selling point for going the easy route and making these apple pie bars instead of a full pie. Leftovers from these bars got boxed up and distributed FAST because when faced with a plateful of these squares, you kind of just want to slink back into the shadows with the whole thing and refuse to share with anyone. My dad was one of the recipients of the leftover bars and he declared them the best apple bars he’s ever had. He’s also been known to tell me that things I’ve cooked for him are the worst things he’s ever eaten, so when he pays something a compliment, you know he’s telling the truth. 😉
More Fall Recipes
Dutch Apple Galette for Two Pumpkin Pancakes Pumpkin Shortbread Apple Crumb Muffins Small-batch Pumpkin Cupcakes
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