There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting thru your kitchen, especially when it’s paired with the flaky, buttery goodness of a classic pie. But what if you could enjoy all those cozy flavors in a simpler, quicker form? Enter deliciously easy vegan apple pie bars-a perfect fusion of tradition and convenience that will have both seasoned bakers and kitchen newcomers reaching for their mixing bowls.In this article, we’ll guide you through crafting these irresistible bars that capture the essence of a homemade apple pie, all while keeping things plant-based, wholesome, and downright scrumptious. Get ready to bake your way to a new favorite dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Deliciously Easy Vegan Apple Pie Bars you’ll Love Baking
Deliciously easy vegan apple pie bars you’ll love baking combine the best of flaky pastry with the sweet, warm spices of a classic apple pie, all made entirely plant-based. These bars capture the nostalgic flavor of customary pie but with a simplified layering technique that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Inspired by cozy autumn afternoons and freshly picked orchard apples,this recipe turns a timeless favorite into an approachable treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- cooking: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Yield
Serves 12 appetizing vegan apple pie bars.
Difficulty Level
Easy – perfect for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
- For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup vegan butter, cold and cubed
- ⅓ cup organic cane sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3-4 tbsp ice-cold water
- For the apple Filling:
- 5 cups peeled and thinly sliced crisp apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (natural sweetener)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the cold vegan butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually: Stir in 3 tablespoons of ice-cold water, adding more if needed, until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking to maintain flakiness.
- Chill the dough: shape the dough into a disc, wrap in parchment, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step chills the fat and prevents shrinkage during baking.
- Prep the apples: While the dough chills, toss sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
- Assemble the bars: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the chilled dough into two parts (about ⅔ and ⅓). Roll out the larger portion evenly and press into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan, creating an even base layer.
- Layer the filling: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the crust, spreading gently to avoid spilling.
- Add the crumb topping: Roll out the smaller dough portion and cut into thin strips or crumble it over the apples for a rustic, flaky finish.
- Bake to golden perfection: Place in the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the crust edges and top are golden-brown and the apples are bubbling.
- cool wholly: Allow bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing; this helps the filling set and prevents sogginess.
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success
- Choosing apples: Firm, tart apples like granny Smith, honeycrisp, or Braeburn offer a balanced sweetness and maintain structure during baking. Mixing varieties adds dimension.
- Natural sweeteners: Pure maple syrup not only sweetens but enhances depth with its rich note-honey and coconut sugar are great alternatives.
- Ensuring flakiness: Keep the vegan butter cold and handle the dough minimally. If your kitchen is warm, briefly chill the dough again before rolling.
- make-ahead: Prepare the assembled bars a day ahead and refrigerate before baking; add an extra 5 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and increase water slightly to adjust dough consistency.
Serving suggestions
Serve these warm or at room temperature topped with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Sprinkle freshly chopped toasted walnuts or a dash of cinnamon on top for added texture and warmth.For a cozy touch,pair your apple pie bars with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or brewed espresso.
Nutritional Data per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 10g |
Discover more plant-based baked delights with our vegan dessert recipes collection and deepen your baking skills. For detailed information on the benefits of natural sweeteners like maple syrup, visit Healthline’s article on maple syrup.
Q&A
Q&A: Deliciously Easy Vegan Apple Pie bars you’ll Love Baking
Q: What makes these vegan apple pie bars different from traditional apple pie?
A: Unlike a classic apple pie, these bars are perfectly portable and less fussy-no rolling dough or dealing with pie tins! They capture all the cozy apple cinnamon goodness in an easy-to-slice square, making snack time or dessert delightfully effortless.Q: Are the ingredients truly vegan?
A: Absolutely! These bars skip butter and eggs, using plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan margarine and flaxseed ”eggs” or applesauce to keep that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture without compromising on flavor.
Q: How difficult is the recipe for beginners?
A: It’s a breeze. The recipe features simple steps and common pantry staples. even if you’re new to vegan baking, you’ll find this recipe approachable, with clear instructions and generous tips to ensure success.
Q: Can I customize the spices or sweetness?
A: Without a doubt! Feel free to experiment with warming spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to suit your taste buds. Adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more maple syrup or reducing sugar-these bars are forgiving and flexible.
Q: What kind of apples work best?
A: Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape beautifully and balance the sweetness of the crust. Though, a mix of apple varieties can add depth-think Fuji for sweetness or Honeycrisp for juiciness.
Q: How should I store leftover bars?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze wonderfully-just thaw and enjoy the comforting aroma of fall whenever you crave.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures 1:1 for flour. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or add a small pinch to help bind the bars and keep that perfect crumbly crust.
Q: What’s the best way to serve these vegan apple pie bars?
A: warm them slightly and pair with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of coconut whipped cream. They also shine as a cozy breakfast treat alongside a cup of chai or coffee.
Q: Do these bars freeze well?
A: They do! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven to revive that fresh-baked feel.
Q: Any pro tips for extra flakiness or a crisp crust?
A: Keep your vegan fat chilled before mixing and avoid overworking the dough. For a crispier top, sprinkle a little coconut sugar right before baking-that golden finish adds a delightful crunch and caramel notes.
Enjoy the magic of apple pie in a simpler, vegan-amiable form-you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Closing Remarks
There you have it-a delectably simple twist on a classic dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. These vegan apple pie bars bring together the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crust, all without any animal products. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen adventurer,this recipe invites you to create a batch of sweet,wholesome treats that are perfect for sharing-or savoring solo. So next time you crave a slice of autumnal nostalgia, remember: a few simple ingredients and a little love are all you need to bake your way to apple pie bliss.happy baking!
