Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars

This Apple Pie Bars recipe is one of the best Pioneer Woman dessert recipes, made with Granny Smith apples, Honey Crisp apples, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract. It takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. You can serve your Apple Pie Bars with sides such as peach ice cream, brown sugar caramel sauce, butter rum sauce, and whipped cream.

To make Apple Pie Bars, Ree Drummond starts by creating a rich shortbread base using butter, sugar, and flour. She then layers thinly sliced apples that have been tossed in a mixture of brown sugar and spices. The final touch is a crumbly streusel topping, made from the remaining shortbread dough mixed with chopped pecans.

These Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars remind me of her German Chocolate Pie and Apple Dumplings, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and texture.

Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping:

• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Filling:

• 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 large Honey Crisp apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
• Pinch of salt

For the Glaze:

• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp milk or heavy cream

How To Make Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars

1. Prepare the Pan and Dough: Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugars, and vanilla until airy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until combined.
2. Shape the Crust: Press about 3/4 of the dough mixture into the bottom of the pan and slightly up the sides. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Keep the remaining dough in the fridge.
3. First Bake: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. Let it cool on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Filling: Toss the apple slices with vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Spread this mixture over the crust.
5. Final Bake and Glaze: Combine the remaining dough with pecans and scatter over the apples. Bake for 1 hour. Cool completely. For the glaze, mix maple syrup, butter, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and milk. Drizzle over the cooled bars and cut into squares.

Additional Tips

• The best apples to use are Granny Smith and Honey Crisp.
• The bars can be stored at room temperature for up to two days if they are unfrosted.

What To Serve With Apple Pie Bars

Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with Apple Pie Bars. You can also opt for a drizzle of Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce or Butter Rum Sauce for added flavor. These options complement the apple and spice flavors in the bars.

How To Store Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days if they are unfrosted. Make sure the container is sealed well to maintain freshness.

In The Fridge:

If the Apple Pie Bars are frosted or glazed, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and they can be kept for up to 3 days.

In The Freezer:

Generally, you can freeze Apple Pie Bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then storing them in a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Check out More Recipes From Pioneer Woman:

• Pioneer Woman Sour Cream Pancakes
• Pioneer Woman Peanut Butter Fudge
• Pioneer Woman Bourbon Balls