Apple Pie Bars

Description
We love a classic New York apple pie, but when you’re short on time and have a big group to feed, these apple pie bars are an absolute lifesaver—and can serve up to 18 guests! The crust can be pressed directly into the pan, so you can skip the time-consuming step of rolling out piecrust. Plus, the addictive pecan-crumb topping might make this an instant classic in your family.
Ingredients
Crust
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
Filling
- 6 NY apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
Topping
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter, softened
- Caramel sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9”x13” pan with parchment, then grease with cooking spray. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt and mix until just combined.
- Press into prepared pan, about one-half inch up the sides. Bake until lightly golden, 20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss apple slices, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt together. Spread apples over crust.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pecans, brown sugar and salt. Stir in melted butter until coarse clumps form.
- Sprinkle crumb topping over apples and bake until top is golden and apples are soft, about 1 hour.
- Let cool at least 15 minutes, then slice into squares and drizzle with caramel before serving.