Apple Bars

An Apple bar on a cutting board with a bite in it.

These apple bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, tender apples, and a warm cinnamon glaze. Ready in about an hour, they’re the perfect cozy treat for fall or anytime you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Diet Low Salt

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 207kcal

Author Jessy Freimann

Equipment

Ingredients

Cooking spray
¾ cup salted butter divided
¼ cup confectioner’s sugar
1 cup flour
4-6 apples sliced thin depending on their size
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch Kosher salt
1 Tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease an 8” x 8” baking pan and then line it with parchment that has then ends sticking out of the pan (for easy removal later).
With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat ½ cup butter for 1 minute and then add confectioner’s sugar and flour. Mix until a crumbly dough comes together.
Press the dough into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared pan, it’s ok if it comes up the sides a tiny bit. You can use a cup with a flat bottom to press it into the pan.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes and remove from the oven.
Shingle the thinly sliced apples in rows over the cookie crust until it’s completely covered.
While you’re working on the apples, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
Once you’re done with the apples and the butter is melted, whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest until the sugars are dissolved. Pour this mixture evenly over the apples immediately and use a pastry brush to spread it evenly over them.
Sprinkle with fresh thyme and bake for another 25 minutes uncovered. Cool, slice and serve.

Notes

Use cold butter when making the crust. It helps create that tender, crumbly shortbread texture everyone loves.
Slice the apples evenly and thinly so they bake at the same rate and the bars hold together nicely.
You’ll know the bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and the apples look soft and glossy.
If you want a little extra flavor, sprinkle the top with a pinch of nutmeg, a handful of chopped pecans, or a light drizzle of caramel once the bars have cooled.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This keeps the layers neat and prevents the crust from crumbling.
Ingredients to prep ahead- wash the apples and lemon up to a day in advance.
Leftovers and storage- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition