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Cozy Small-Batch Apple Pie Bars for Two – Easy Fall Dessert

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These small-batch apple pie bars are a perfectly portioned treat for two, delivering all the cozy, spiced flavor of a classic apple pie with a fraction of the work. A buttery shortbread crust, soft cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and crunchy oat streusel topping make this the ultimate comfort dessert for a quiet evening in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (56g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons ice water (only if needed)
  • 1 large apple (about 200g), peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons rolled oats (old-fashioned)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Add 1/4 cup cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse sand with a few pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork.
  3. Press the crust: Line a 6×6-inch or 8×4-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang. Press dough evenly into the bottom. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are just golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the apple filling: In the same bowl, toss diced apple with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Coat evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Make the streusel: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons oats, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Add 2 tablespoons cold butter cubes. Use fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until clumps form.
  6. Assemble the bars: Spread apple filling evenly over pre-baked crust. Sprinkle streusel topping over apples, covering completely.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until streusel is golden brown and apple filling is bubbly around edges.
  8. Cool in the dish on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes to allow filling to set.
  9. Use parchment paper to lift bars out of dish. Slice into 2 or 4 pieces. Serve warm.

Notes

Use cold butter for best texture. Let bars cool completely before slicing to allow filling to set. For extra flavor, toast oats before adding to streusel. Can be made gluten-free with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. Vegan option: use cold vegan butter. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie bars, small batch dessert, dessert for two, apple bars, fall dessert, easy apple dessert, streusel bars

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/cozy-small-batch-apple-pie-bars-for-two-easy-fall-dessert/