11 Summer Picnic Recipes That Travel Well

10/12 Previous Next

Apple Pie Bars combine the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie with the sweetness of red berry jam and a buttery crumble topping. Baked in a brownie pan, these easy-to-share bars are perfect for picnics, making it a delicious and portable version of a classic dessert!

Ingredients (for 12 bars):

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 medium apples)
• 1/2 cup red berry jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your choice)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch brownie pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the flour and a pinch of salt, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 15 min. or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
6. In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, red berry jam, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until the apples are well coated.
7. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar.
8. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Add a pinch of salt and mix.
10. Spread the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
11. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 min. or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
13. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
14. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
15. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!