Ina Garten’s Irresistible Apple Pie Bars Are Getting Us In The Mood For Fall

apples-desserts-fall-food-cooking-THUMB.jpg

Fall is right around the corner. When you walk into any shop or market, there are fall decorations scattered galore and a bounty of newly grown fall produce. While it’s hard to let go of the sunny, warm summertime months, the new season is quickly approaching whether we’re ready or not.

The one thing that gets me in the mood for all things autumn is the wide variety of new recipes available. I adore the cinnamon and nutmeg flavored desserts so much that I instantly forget all about my love for summertime fruits. This recipe from Food Network’s dessert queen, Ina Garten, is sure to make your taste buds sing with delight. Her apple pie bars are a fast staple at my house and it’s something that everyone should incorporate into their dessert routine. Check out the recipe below to see just how to make these flavorful bars.

apples-desserts-fall-food-cooking.jpg

INGREDIENTS:
For Crust:
1 lb. (4 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
¾ c. granulated sugar
½ c. light brown sugar
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
4 c. all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp. kosher salt
½ c. chopped walnuts
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

For Filling:
1 ½ lbs. Granny Smith apples, peeled, quartered, cored, and sliced (⅛ in. thick)
1 ½ lbs. Golden Delicious apples, peeled, quartered, cored, and sliced (⅛ in. thick)
2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg
4 tbsp. (½ stick) unsalted butter

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. For the crust, place the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Using an electric mixer and mix for two minutes until light and creamy. Sift the flour and salt together and slowly add into the creamy mixture. Scatter ⅔ of the dough in clumps into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Press lightly with the back of a measuring cup until it is completely flat. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, put the mixing bowl with the remaining dough back into the mixer, add in the walnuts and cinnamon and mix on low speed until well-combined. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. For the filling, combine the apples and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

apples-desserts-fall-food-cooking-cutting.jpg

Mix well to combine. Melt the butter in a large pot and add in the apples and simmer, stirring often, for 12-15 minutes or until the apples are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Spread the apples over the baked crust.

Pinch medium pieces of the remaining dough with your fingers and drop the evenly on top of the apples. Bake for 25 minutes or until the topping is browned. Cool completely and cut into bars.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook!

One Mother Sees A Pic Of Her Daughter With Another Girl Who Looks Exactly Like Her. What Happens Next Takes Everyone By Surprise
/these_twins_just_found_out_they_are_twins_one_mother_sees_a_pic_of_her_daughter_with_another_girl_who_looks_just_like_her_what_happens_next_takes_everyone_by_surprise
This One Deliciously Simple Meal Will Be Your Hero On Those Busy, Tiresome Weeknights
/this_one_deliciously_simple_meal_will_be_your_hero_on_those_busy_tiresome_weeknights
As Flood Waters Rush In, A Horse is Trapped In Hurricane Harvey's Aftermath. Watch This Incredible Horse Rescue As It Takes Place
/as_flood_waters_rush_in_a_horse_is_trapped_in_hurricane_harvey_s_aftermath_this_incredible_horse_rescue_takes_places
Sandra Bullock Is Financially Aiding The Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort In A Big Way
/sandra_bullock_is_financially_aiding_the_hurricane_harvey_relief_in_a_big_way
Two Heroes Meet. One A Soldier, The Other A Little Girl. Watch The Two Talk, But Be Prepared
/two_heroes_meet_one_a_soldier_the_other_a_little_girl_watch_the_two_talk_but_be_prepared_for_tissue
Baby Boy Needs Help Eating His Dinner When Family Dog Comes In, His Reaction Seconds Later Leaves His Parents Rolling
/baby_boy_needs_help_eating_his_dinner_when_family_dog_comes_in_his_reaction_seconds_later_left_his_parents_rolling
Loki Is A Traveling Wolf With 1.6 Million Followers. When You See His Adventures, You'll Start Planning Your Next Trip
/loki_is_a_traveling_wolf_with_1_6_million_followers_when_you_see_his_adventures_you_ll_start_planning_your_next_trip
Newborn Won’t Stop Crying. When Dad Is At His Wit’s End, He Tries One Last Thing To Soothe His Baby And, Within Seconds, The Baby Is Instantly Happy
/newborn_won_t_stop_crying_when_dad_is_at_his_wit_s_end_he_tries_one_last_thing_to_soothe_his_baby_and_within_seconds_the_baby_is_instantly_happy
How To Take Flattering Candid Pictures Of Yourself
/how_to_take_flattering_candid_pictures_of_yourself
Young Boy Borrows Sewing Machine For Days On End. When Mom Finds Out What He Is Making She Can't Hold Back Her Tears Of Amazement
/young_boy_borrows_sewing_machine_for_days_on_end_when_mom_finds_out_what_he_is_making_she_can_t_hold_back_her_tears_of_amazement