Apple Pie Cobbler Bars
I’ve got the ultimate Thanksgiving (and fall!) dessert for you.
These apple pie cobbler bars are incredible, made with a shortbread crust, a soft cinnamony apple filling and a crumb on top that is a bit crunchy. They taste like heaven – apple pie in bar form!
The bars can be made ahead of time and they are so fabulous, basically tasting like a big piece of pie or even an apple crumble. I’m obsessed.
When it comes to fall flavors, I enjoy apple SO much more than pumpkin. Apple cider and apple flavored things are definitely what I crave and love to bake the most. Sure, pumpkin is good. But apple is sweet, crisp and refreshing. It just feels like a fall day.
I first shared my blueberry peach cobbler bars in that book and have since made many versions! I make a cranberry cobbler bar and a strawberry cobbler bar – both are incredible.
The bars are also easy!
You essentially make a shortbread crust and a filling.
The shortbread crust is used for both the base of the bar and the crumbly topping.
The filling is obviously used for the… filling. Shocking.
To make the apple filling, I chop and cook the apples a bit. I like to get them somewhat tender so they are bite-able and soft in the bars. This also makes them a bit syrupy. That consistency is easy to come by if you’re using berries or cranberries or peaches. So that’s another benefit to cooking the apples down a bit.
Then, I layer! I press half the shortbread mixture into the pan to form a crust.
Next, I pour the spiced apple filling over the crust.
Finally, the remaining shortbread gets crumbled and sprinkled on top.
These take about 45 minutes to bake and I like to let them cool completely before slicing. You can definitely make them ahead of time (even a few days!) and store them in the fridge to stay fresh. I serve them chilled, at room temp or even warm with vanilla ice cream. They are incredible all ways!
Now if you’re looking to really save some time, I’ll tell you that you totally can use a jar of apple pie filling here. It takes the process of chopping and cooking the apples out of it. It doesn’t taste quite as fresh or homemade, but at the same time it tastes like classic diner apple pie.
Shhhh. I won’t tell.
Add it to the fall favorites list!
Apple Pie Cobbler Bars
Apple Pie Cobbler Bars
Apple pie cobbler bars are such a delightful fall treat! Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall holiday, they start with a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple and brown sugar filling and a crumbly streusel on top. So delish and easy to make!
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Make the apples first. Combine the chopped apples, apple cider and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring often, until the apples soften and are tender – about 6 to 8 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar. Whisk in the cornstarch, half and half, vanilla extract, allspice, nutmeg and salt. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the cooked apples (and any remaining juice/syrup from the pan).
- For the crust and topping: Stir the flour, sugar and salt together in a large bowl. Add the melted butter and stir until a shortbread-like dough comes together. I even use my hands to bring it together. Press half of the dough into the bottom of the 9×13 inch dish.
- Pour the apple filling over the crust. Sprinkle the rest of the crumbly shortbread mixture over the apple filling.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the bars are set and no longer jiggly. Cool completely (this is important! You can even cool overnight.) before slicing into squares! You can reheat and serve warm with vanilla ice cream. They are also delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
Ice cream rivers!!
