Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Love apple pie but want something easier to slice, serve, and pack? Ina Garten’s Apple Pie Bars offer all the cozy flavors of a traditional pie—with buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping—in a convenient bar form. These are ideal for holidays, bake sales, or a weekend treat with coffee.

What Are Ina Garten’s Apple Pie Bars?

These dessert bars start with a buttery shortbread-style crust, followed by a layer of cinnamon-spiced apples, and topped with a crumbly streusel. Think of them as apple pie meets coffee cake—easy to cut, share, and enjoy without utensils.

Other Ina Garten Dessert Recipes

• Ina Garten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake
• Ina Garten Coconut Cupcakes
• Ina Garten Deep Dish Apple Pie
• Barefoot Contessa French Apple Tart

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Apple Pie Bars

• All the flavor of pie, none of the fuss – No rolling pins required
• Easy to portion and transport – Great for gatherings
• Warm fall spices – Cozy and aromatic
• Buttery base and topping – Rich and satisfying
• Perfectly sweet and tart balance – Thanks to Granny Smith apples
• Freezer-friendly – Ideal for make-ahead baking
• Versatile treat – Dessert, snack, or breakfast bar

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Apple Pie Bars

For the crust and topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

For the apple filling:

• 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• Pinch of salt

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the topping.

Press the remaining crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender. Let cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve as is, or warm slightly and top with vanilla ice cream.

What to Serve With Apple Pie Bars

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream – Classic combination
• Warm caramel sauce – Drizzle for added indulgence
• Cinnamon-spiced whipped cream – Adds a cozy twist
• Hot coffee or chai tea – Balances sweetness
• Toasted pecans or walnuts – Sprinkle on top for crunch
• Dusting of powdered sugar – For a simple finish
• With yogurt for breakfast – A sweet morning treat

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith – They hold their shape while baking
• Slice apples thinly and evenly – Ensures even cooking
• Chill the butter before making the crust – Helps create a flaky texture
• Reserve crumb topping before pressing crust – Saves time
• Cool completely before slicing – Bars hold together better
• Line the pan with parchment – For easy removal and clean edges
• Add a pinch of cloves or allspice – For extra warmth

Variations of the Recipe

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to topping – For crunch
• Mix in diced pears with apples – For a twist
• Use maple syrup in filling – Adds deep sweetness
• Top with streusel and oats – A heartier texture
• Make it gluten-free – Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Swap lemon juice for orange zest – For a different citrus profile
• Add a touch of caramel between layers – Extra decadence

How to Store Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container – Keeps fresh at room temp for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days
• Layer with parchment paper if stacking – Prevents sticking
• Reheat in oven at 300°F – To restore crispness
• Freeze for up to 2 months – Wrap tightly and thaw before reheating
• Label and date – For easy tracking
• Avoid microwaving – It softens the crust
• Serve chilled or warm – Both are delicious

How Do I Reuse Apple Pie Bars?

• Serve warm with ice cream – Classic and indulgent
• Layer into parfaits – With yogurt and granola
• Crumble into breakfast bowls – Adds sweetness and texture
• Top oatmeal or pancakes – For an apple pie flavor boost
• Pack in lunchboxes – Great for kids and adults
• Serve with cheese – Like sharp cheddar or brie
• Blend into milkshakes – For a dessert upgrade

Nutritional Value (per bar, based on 16 bars)

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 80mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s apple pie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to extend freshness.

What apples are best for apple pie bars?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because they’re tart, hold their shape during baking, and balance the sweetness of the crust and topping.

Can I freeze apple pie bars?

Yes, they freeze well. Let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat if desired.

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Make sure the apple slices are well coated in cornstarch and sugar, and don’t overload the crust. Also, let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Apple Pie Bars are everything you love about traditional apple pie—warm spices, tender apples, and buttery crust—packed into a convenient handheld treat. They’re easy to make, easy to share, and even easier to love.

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