Easy Apple Pie Bars

A sweet and dense apple filling is sandwiched between 2 tender shortbread crusts in this easy and crowd-pleasing recipe for pie bars.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 250 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon milk, or as needed
• 8 tablespoons cold water, or more as needed
• 7 cups finely chopped apples

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Combine 4 cups flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in shortening with a fork until coarse crumbs form.

Step 3

Whisk egg yolks, cold water, and lemon juice together in another bowl. Stir into flour mixture with a fork until dough comes together into a ball; divide in half. Roll out 1 half and press into the bottom of a 10x15-inch baking pan.

Step 4

Combine apples, sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and ground cinnamon in a bowl to make filling. Spread over dough in the pan.

Step 5

Roll out remaining dough and lay on top of filling. Brush with milk. Cut slits in the dough with a sharp knife.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool before cutting into 24 bars, at least 20 minutes.