Celebrating Fall: Glazed Apple Bars
Yesterday was the first night we officially entertained for dinner since we’ve been in this house. Can you believe it’s been two months already?! True, we’ve had a Back-to-School party, had houseguests for a weekend and a few movie nights and similarly casual get-togethers, but nothing formal sitting down at the dining room table. Since it was a weeknight, I wanted to keep the menu super simple and went with a new roast chicken recipe from one of Paula Deen’s sons, the savory vegetable patties from a few weeks ago, roasted asparagus and dessert. What about dessert?
I had half a bag of apples on the counter, left from a recent apple-picking adventure, and they were begging to be used. While catching up on one of my favorite non-food blogs, I found the answer. Glazed Apple Bars from Meg. I had everything I needed on hand, and they were uber-easy to make. One of the people that Meg served them to commented that they tasted like eating apple pie with your hands. I totally agree. They are a perfect way to celebrate the Fall season and a simple ending for a nice meal. They are crispy and crumbly, with a little bit of sweetness from the soft apples. I served them on a platter alongside vanilla bean ice cream. Once they found their way into my bowl, I drizzled a little caramel syrup on top. Pure heaven. Whether you eat them alone or with ice cream, you’ll find yourself making these again and again and again. And I wouldn’t blame you one little bit.
Glazed Apple Bars
Recipe courtesy of Meg
4 cups flour
2-1/3 cups sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups butter, room temperature
5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced (I used a few more to fill up the pan)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Combine flour, 2 cups of sugar and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Take half of this mixture and pat it gently into a jelly roll pan. Top crumbly mixture with peeled, sliced apples in rows. Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over apples. Crumble remaining flour mixture on top of the apples. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes. Cool before drizzling the glaze over the top. Cut into squares to serve.
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon water (I used a bit more to get the right consistency)
Stir until combined. Pour over apple bars.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Mmmm…looks great, but 1 1/2 cups butter? Ooo…that makes me shudder! I’m sure they are delicious.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Those sound heavenly. How many do they make? And any idea on how they freeze? Sounds like this probably yields a good amount of bars …
October 15th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
We’re going apple picking tomorrow, weather permitting. Perfect timing!
October 15th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Ahh, I love the foods of fall! This looks so delicious and worth all the calories :)
October 16th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Claire - definitely not an everyday treat, but it makes a LOT!
Starnesfam - ugh, don’t get me started on the weather. We had snow yesterday!
Sharon - exactly!
Sarah - I bet they freeze beautifully! I haven’t cut all mine yet, but it yields at least 35-40 nice size squares.
October 16th, 2009 at 9:49 am
They look delicious and just what I am looking for. I have a bunch of apples…perefect!
October 16th, 2009 at 11:10 am
I think I just died and went to heaven! These look fantastic. I have been looking for apple desserts lately.
Entertaining and cooking for guests is so much fun. And obviously know the right way to throw a party - with delicious food!
October 16th, 2009 at 11:15 am
YUM. Can’t wait to try this recipe! :)
October 16th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
The apple bars sound heavenly! Love the glaze!
October 16th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I will have to try these! I have some leftover apples that we received as a gift from Ontario.
October 17th, 2009 at 8:17 am
flour, sugar, salt, butter, apples, cinnamon. so simple and basic, yet such phenomenal results. that glaze is the straw that broke the camel’s back (with said camel being my resistance against such a treat). delicious work!
October 17th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Wow, that’s really easy! Do they bake up solid like a granola bar, or floppy like a pie?
October 18th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Nate - definitely not floppy. It has good structure and cuts neatly - not quite as firm as a granola bar, but definitely can eat with your hand with no worries about making a mess. ;)
October 19th, 2009 at 12:56 am
ooh, yum yum :) these look like the perfect fall treat!
October 20th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Fantastic. Sounds like something I need to make.
Ramona
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:39 am
oh yum! this looks so easy and I even have a of apples waiting patiently- thanks!