These Cinnamon Swirl Apple Pie Bars are a delicious twist on the traditional apple pie, combining tender, buttery bars with a warm cinnamon swirl and sweet apple filling. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in, they offer all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form.
The contrast of spices and caramel creates a decadent treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With a rich, buttery crust and a drizzle of homemade caramel, these bars are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the apples, creating a swirl pattern. Use a knife to gently swirl the dough for a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
Tip: For added texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the apple filling before topping with the dough.
For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling. If you don’t have caramel sauce on hand, you can quickly make your own by melting sugar and butter together until it reaches a smooth, silky consistency.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These bars also freeze well; just ensure they are wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn.