Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Apple Kuchen Bars

These delectable Apple Kuchen Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. A perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes for an irresistible dessert or snack.

 

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including cooling time)
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups cold butter, divided
  • 4 to 5 tablespoons ice water
  • 8 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples (about 8 medium)
  • 2 cups sugar, divided
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

 

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Place 2 cups flour and salt in a food processor and pulse until blended. Add 1 cup butter and pulse until the butter is the size of peas. While pulsing, add just enough ice water (4-5 tablespoons) to form moist crumbs. Press this mixture onto the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F until the edges are lightly browned, about 20-25 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.
  2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1 cup sugar, and cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Spoon this apple filling evenly over the cooled crust.
  3. Make the Streusel Topping: Place the remaining flour, butter, and sugar in the food processor and pulse until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle this streusel mixture evenly over the apple layer, creating a crumbly topping that will become golden and crisp during baking.
  4. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F until the streusel topping is golden brown and the apples are tender, approximately 60-70 minutes. The apples should be soft when pierced with a fork, and the topping should be crisp and caramelized.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. This cooling period is essential to allow the bars to set properly. Once completely cooled, cut into squares or rectangular bars for serving.

 

Notes

  • Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for this recipe as they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice tartness.
  • For added flavor, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon of allspice to the apple mixture.
  • These bars can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • For a special treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

 

  • Author: bestfeed
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Find it online: https://bestfeed.us/apple-kuchen-bars/