Tasty Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars Recipe for Sweet Fans

Pioneer Woman apple pie bars transform ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Bursting with warm cinnamon and sweet fruit essence, these delectable squares reimagine classic pie traditions.

Homestyle baking reaches new heights with this ingenious recipe that blends comfort and creativity.

Soft, buttery layers cradle tender apple slices in a dance of flavor and texture.

Crisp pastry edges promise a delightful crunch that complements the luscious fruit filling.

Generations of home cooks would marvel at this portable twist on a beloved classic.

Check out a dessert that will make taste buds sing with pure joy.

Saving, Storing & Scheduling Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars

• Preserve Freshness Perfectly: Store apple bars in airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping them moist and delicious.
• Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then place in sealed container. Refrigerate up to 5 days, maintaining optimal texture and flavor.
• Freeze for Future Cravings: Layer bars between parchment paper in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator for best results.
• Revive and Reheat Wisely: Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, refresh in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore that just-baked warmth and softness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 11

Gathering the Good Stuff for Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars

• Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality, European-style butter for richer flavor and smoother texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Choose organic sugars for deeper caramel undertones and natural sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla for robust, authentic aroma.

• Granny Smith Apples, Honey Crisp Apples: Pick firm, crisp apples with balanced tartness and sweetness for complex flavor profile.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Select unfiltered, raw vinegar for tangy depth and natural brightness.
• Light Brown Sugar: Use minimally processed sugar for deeper molasses notes.
• Cornstarch: Choose non-GMO cornstarch for smooth, reliable thickening.
• Apple Pie Spice: Select freshly ground spice blend for vibrant, warm undertones.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance overall taste complexity.

• Pure Maple Syrup: Select grade A dark amber for rich, woodsy sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Use European-style butter for silky, luxurious consistency.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat cream cheese for creamy, indulgent texture.
• Confectioner's Sugar: Select powdered sugar with cornstarch for smooth blending.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Pick whole milk or heavy cream for rich, velvety finish.

Utensils That Help Build Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars

• Electric mixer: Perfect for blending butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Ideal size for creating delicious apple bars.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Wire rack: Essential for cooling baked crust properly.
• Cutting board: Helps slice bars neatly and precisely.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp knife: Great for slicing apples and cutting final bars.
• Whisk: Perfect for creating silky-smooth glaze.
• Spatula: Helps spread mixtures evenly and scrape bowl sides.

Making It from Scratch Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars

• Kickstart Your Baking Adventure

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch pan and give it a quick spray with cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper for super easy cleanup later.

• Whip Up the Dreamy Crust

Grab your mixer and blend the butter and sugars until they’re light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins! Mix until everything looks perfectly smooth and creamy.

• Create the Crust Foundation

Gently fold in flour and a pinch of salt. Mix slowly until everything comes together like a delicious puzzle. Don’t overmix – we want that perfect texture!

• Shape and Chill the Crust

Use slightly damp hands to press most of the crust mixture into the pan. Cover the bottom and sides with love. Tuck the remaining crust in the fridge for later.

• Bake the Golden Base

Pop the crust in the oven and bake until it turns a beautiful golden brown. About 20-25 minutes of pure anticipation! Let it cool on a wire rack.

• Prepare Apple Wonderland

Slice a mix of apples into delicate pieces. Toss them with a splash of vinegar, sprinkle of spices, and a touch of brown sugar. Make sure every apple slice is perfectly coated.

• Assemble Your Masterpiece

Spread the apple mixture over the baked crust. Take the reserved crust and crumble it with some pecans. Sprinkle this magical topping all over the apples.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan back into the oven. Bake for about an hour, giving it a gentle turn halfway through. You’re looking for tender apples and a golden-brown top.

• Drizzle with Decadence

Whip up a silky glaze using maple syrup, butter, cream cheese, and a touch of sugar. Blend until it’s smooth as silk.

• Serve and Celebrate

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Drizzle that gorgeous glaze over the top. Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure happiness!

Tips Straight from the Stove Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars

• Bake Like a Pro: Smart Twists for Apple Pecan Bars
• Customize Apple Selection: Combine different apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji for complex flavor layers and varied textures. Each apple brings unique sweetness and tartness to the dessert.
• Enhance Nutty Crunch: Experiment with alternative nuts such as walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Toast nuts beforehand to intensify their rich, deep flavor profile and boost overall crunchiness.
• Make Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Ensure blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding and texture maintenance in the crust.
• Create Seasonal Spice Variations: Adjust spice blend by adding ground cardamom, extra cinnamon, or nutmeg to complement apple filling. Freshly ground spices deliver more vibrant and complex taste compared to pre-ground options.

Plating and Pairing Ideas Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars

• Serve Warm and Cozy: Enjoy these apple bars slightly heated for a comforting dessert that melts in your mouth, enhancing the rich apple and pecan flavors.
• Pair with Creamy Companions: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream to complement the warm spices and add a luxurious touch.
• Elevate with Beverage Matches: Accompany these bars with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or spiced apple cider to intensify the autumnal taste experience.
• Store and Share Smart: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Crispy Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Pioneer woman apple pie bars blend homemade comfort with classic American dessert traditions. Sweet cinnamon-spiced apples nestle between buttery crumb layers that invite warm memories and happy gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (454 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 large Honey Crisp apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup + ¼ cup (225 g) light brown sugar
• 3 tbsps pure maple syrup
• ¾ cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted
• 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 ½ tsps apple pie spice
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 oz (28 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp milk or heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Whip butter, sugars, and vanilla until fluffy and aerated. Gently fold in flour and salt, blending until a cohesive dough forms.
2. Pan Setup: Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, line with parchment paper. Press approximately 75% of the crust mixture into the pan’s base and sides, reserving remaining dough.
3. Initial Baking: Chill crust for 15 minutes, then bake at 350°F until golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Apple Filling: Toss Granny Smith and Honey Crisp apple slices with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and salt, ensuring thorough coating.
5. Assembly and Topping: Spread apple mixture evenly over cooled crust, leaving a slight border. Combine reserved crust with chopped pecans, crumbling over apple layer.
6. Final Baking: Return to oven, bake for 1 hour at 350°F, rotating midway, until apples become tender and topping turns golden brown.
7. Glaze Creation: Whisk maple syrup, butter, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and milk until smooth and glossy.
8. Serving: Once completely cooled, lift bars using parchment paper, transfer to cutting board, drizzle with glaze, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes

• Chill Crust Effectively: Refrigerate the crust for 15 minutes before baking to ensure a firmer, more stable base that prevents crumbling and creates a perfect texture.
• Choose Apple Varieties Wisely: Combine Granny Smith and Honey Crisp apples for a balanced flavor profile – tart and sweet – which creates depth and complexity in the filling.
• Control Moisture Carefully: The apple cider vinegar and cornstarch help manage apple moisture, preventing soggy bars and maintaining a perfect pie-like consistency.
• Glaze for Gourmet Finish: The maple-cream cheese glaze transforms these bars from simple to spectacular, adding a luxurious, professional-bakery touch that elevates the entire dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg