Barres à la tarte aux pommes

Instructions:

1. Préparation de la pâte : Dans un grand saladier, fouettez les quatre tasses de farine tout usage et une cuillère à café de sel. Incorporez le beurre froid jusqu’à obtenir une pâte granuleuse. Ajoutez progressivement l’eau froide et mélangez jusqu’à obtenir une pâte homogène. Divisez la pâte en deux, façonnez chaque moitié en disque, enveloppez-la de film alimentaire et réservez au réfrigérateur pendant au moins une heure.
2. Préchauffer le four : Préchauffer le four à 190 °C (375 °F). Graisser légèrement un moule de 38 cm x 25 cm ou le chemiser de papier sulfurisé pour éviter que la pâte ne colle.
3. Étaler la pâte : Sur un plan de travail légèrement fariné, étaler une portion de pâte pour qu’elle s’adapte au fond et aux bords du moule préparé. Déposer délicatement la pâte étalée dans le moule, en la pressant dans les coins et sur les côtés.
4. Préparation de la garniture : Dans un grand bol, mélanger les tranches de pommes, le sucre cristallisé, la cassonade, la cannelle, la muscade, la farine et le jus de citron. Mélanger le tout jusqu’à ce que les pommes soient bien enrobées.
5. Assemble the Slices: Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough in the pan. Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough around the edges and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them gently with foil to prevent burning.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the apple slices to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

How to serve Apple Pie Bars

Serving Apple Pie Bars is easy and enjoyable. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a decorative touch. They are delightful when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy treat, serve them with a cup of hot cider or coffee. You can also enjoy them cold or at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.

How to store Apple Pie Bars

To store Apple Pie Bars, let them cool completely after baking. Place the bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. If you want to keep them for an extended period, Apple Pie Bars can be frozen. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.

Tips to make Apple Pie Bars

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor. These apples hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness.
• Feel free to customize your spices. Adding a pinch of allspice or cloves can enhance the flavor.
• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the bottom layer for about 10 minutes before adding the apple filling.
• If you like a sweeter filling, adjust the sugar amounts to your taste.

Variation (if any)

You can make variations of Apple Pie Bars by adding nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Another option is to incorporate dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added flavor. If you enjoy caramel, drizzling some over the top before serving can add a rich, sweet touch. For a fun twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the filling or using different spices such as cardamom for a unique flavor.