Delicious Glazed Apple Bars: Your Perfect Fall Dessert with a Flaky Homemade Crust
Indulge in these delightful Apple Bars featuring a tender, flaky homemade crust, a luscious filling of perfectly spiced cinnamon apples, and a sweet drizzle of glaze. A true autumn classic, baked to perfection and served warm – they’re an absolute favorite fall treat!
Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share a truly special recipe with you – one that holds a very dear place in my heart: Homemade Apple Bars. For as long as I can remember, apple bars have been a quintessential dessert, evoking feelings of cozy autumn days and heartwarming gatherings. Their sweet, spiced aroma baking in the oven instantly fills a home with comfort. Up until now, these delicious treats were something I typically enjoyed when friends or family lovingly prepared them. However, that delightful tradition has inspired me to take on the challenge myself!
I finally found the perfect inspiration and a fantastic reason to master these bars and, more importantly, to share this incredible, simplified recipe with all of you. This recipe combines the satisfying experience of a homemade crust with the ultimate convenience of pre-seasoned apples, making it an ideal choice for any home baker looking to create a memorable fall dessert without excessive fuss.
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Paisley Farm Foods. All opinions, enthusiasm, and deep affection for their products are entirely my own.
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Discovering Paisley Farm Sliced Apples with Cinnamon: A Game Changer for Easy Apple Desserts
If you’ve been following my culinary adventures for a while, you’ve likely heard me sing praises about various Paisley Farm products. I’ve incorporated their delicious offerings into countless recipes, always impressed by their consistent quality and incredible convenience. Their commitment to fresh, flavorful ingredients makes every dish a success. But today, I’m introducing you to something truly exciting that has just joined their lineup: their brand-new Sliced Apples with Cinnamon!
These incredible pre-sliced apples just recently debuted in a limited market, and I was incredibly fortunate to receive some samples to try out. The moment they arrived, my mind immediately began to race, pondering which cherished apple recipe from my collection would be worthy of these exceptional new ingredients. There were so many delicious possibilities, from classic apple pies to comforting crumbles and elegant cakes, but one idea quickly rose to the top: Apple Bars. The thought of those perfectly sweet, spiced apples nestled in a tender, flaky crust, all without the laborious prep work, was simply irresistible.
Using these pre-sliced and perfectly seasoned apples is an absolute game-changer for homemade apple desserts. Imagine skipping the tedious task of peeling, coring, and slicing a mountain of fresh apples – a step that often deters home bakers from attempting apple-based recipes. This convenience dramatically cuts down on preparation time, allowing you to enjoy the delicious results much faster. It truly makes homemade apple desserts more accessible and less daunting, perfect for busy bakers or anyone looking for a simplified approach to classic comfort food without sacrificing flavor or quality. It’s an innovation that brings the joy of homemade baking within easy reach, even on the busiest of days.
A Delightful Taste Experience: What Makes Paisley Farm Cinnamon Apples Special
One of the most appealing aspects of Paisley Farm Sliced Apples with Cinnamon is their incredibly clean and transparent ingredient list. You won’t find any mysterious additives or unpronounceable chemicals here, just wholesome goodness. They contain simply peeled sliced apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and a touch of citric acid. The citric acid is a natural component often found in fruits; here, it’s expertly used to prevent browning and maintain the apples’ fresh appearance and vibrant flavor, ensuring they look as good as they taste. It’s a straightforward approach that lets the natural sweetness and spice of the apples truly shine through.
The texture of these apples is truly unique and remarkably pleasant, setting them apart from other canned options. I’d describe it as having a desirable firmness, much like that of a perfectly canned pear – they’re not overly soft or mushy like some apple pie fillings, but still tender enough to be delightful in a baked good. This texture holds up beautifully during baking, maintaining its integrity within the bar. They strike a perfect balance of sweetness, ensuring they’re not cloyingly sugary, while being wonderfully infused with just the right amount of cinnamon. This ideal spice level enhances the inherent apple flavor without overpowering it, creating a harmonious blend that is utterly delicious from the first bite to the last.
I must confess, I still have the flavorful juice from the jar patiently waiting in my fridge. It’s far too delicious to discard! I’m absolutely convinced I’ll discover a brilliant way to incorporate it into another recipe – perhaps a simple syrup for cocktails, a base for a warm spiced cider, a drizzle for pancakes, or even a component in a savory sauce! For these Apple Bars, all I did was gently drain the liquid from the apples and then toss the slices with a mere two tablespoons of flour. This small, crucial step helps to absorb any residual moisture and thicken the filling slightly during baking, ensuring a beautifully set and delicious consistency within the bars. The result was nothing short of perfection.
The incredible time-saving benefit of these pre-prepared apples cannot be overstated. Skipping the arduous tasks of peeling, coring, and slicing not only makes the entire baking process significantly quicker but also means these heavenly apple bars are ready to be devoured much faster! It’s truly a win-win situation for anyone who loves homemade treats but appreciates efficiency and ease in the kitchen.
Crafting the Perfect Flaky Crust for Your Homemade Apple Bars
While Paisley Farm provided a wonderful shortcut for the apple filling, I decided to take on the challenge of making the crust entirely from scratch. A homemade crust truly elevates any fruit dessert, providing that unmistakable tender flakiness that store-bought versions often lack. Now, I have to be completely honest here: my past attempts at homemade crusts haven’t always been stellar. In fact, I’ve had some rather spectacular failures, which left me a bit apprehensive. With only two precious jars of these amazing apples, the pressure was on! What if I messed up the crust and wasted these perfect ingredients?
In a moment of nervous doubt, just before I started mixing, I did what any good home baker would do when facing a challenge: I called my Aunt Carol for some much-needed guidance. She’s a seasoned pro in the kitchen, renowned for her impeccable pies and pastries, and her calm, practical advice always helps me “talk myself off the ledge,” as they say. She patiently walked me through the process, offering indispensable tips and tricks that instilled in me the confidence to try again, and this time, to truly succeed in achieving that elusive flaky texture.
My previous crust woes often stemmed from the dough being too dry and crumbly, making it incredibly difficult to work with and often resulting in a tough, unappealing texture. I was always so afraid of adding too much liquid, worrying that the dough would become sticky and impossible to roll out without tearing. But this time, armed with Aunt Carol’s wisdom, I committed to following the recipe’s exact liquid measurements, trusting the process and her experience.
Aunt Carol wisely pointed out that it’s always far simpler to incorporate a little extra flour if the dough happens to be too wet than it is to try and correct an overly dry dough once it’s formed. Sometimes, you just need someone to simplify things and explain the fundamental principles in an easy-to-understand way, cutting through all the intimidation. Her simple yet profound advice was a lightbulb moment for me, making all the difference in achieving that desired flaky, tender crust – the perfect complement to the sweet apple filling.
The secret to a truly outstanding apple bar lies not just in the flavorful filling but equally in the foundation: that wonderfully buttery, flaky crust. It provides the perfect textural contrast to the soft, spiced apples, adding a delightful crunch and rich flavor that elevates the entire dessert. Don’t be intimidated by homemade crust; with the right guidance and a little patience, you too can achieve perfection and impress everyone with your baking skills!
To embark on this delicious baking journey, here are the essential ingredients you’ll need for the flaky crust: all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt to balance the flavors, granulated sugar for a touch of sweetness, cold shortening (cut into pieces) for that classic tenderness and flakiness, one large egg (separated into yolk for the dough and white for the egg wash), and fresh, cold milk to bring it all together.
For the irresistible sweet glaze that finishes these bars perfectly, you’ll need: powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) for a smooth finish, a splash of milk to achieve the ideal drizzling consistency, and a hint of pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor and aroma. These simple ingredients combine to create a truly spectacular autumn treat.
Let’s dive into the simple steps for crafting your perfect apple bars. Begin by gently whisking together your egg yolk and milk in a small bowl; this liquid mixture will add richness and moisture to your dough. In a separate, larger bowl, combine your flour, a touch of sugar, and salt. Then, add the cold shortening, cutting it in with a pastry blender or using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of shortening incorporated throughout. This technique is key to achieving a flaky crust.
Next, pour all of the prepared liquid mixture (egg yolk and milk) into your flour-shortening blend and mix until just combined, forming a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix, as excessive handling can develop the gluten and lead to a tough crust. Divide this tender dough into two equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough balls into a rectangle slightly larger than your 9×13 cookie sheet (it’s important to use a cookie sheet with shallow sides, not a deeper baking pan, to ensure even baking and a crispier crust for bars). Carefully transfer the rolled dough and press it evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the sheet, creating a sturdy base.
Now for the star of the show: the apples! Ensure your Paisley Farm Sliced Apples with Cinnamon are thoroughly drained of any excess liquid, then gently toss them with a couple of tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This light coating helps to absorb any remaining moisture and creates a beautifully set, slightly thickened filling during baking. Spread these perfectly spiced apples evenly over your prepared bottom crust. For the top crust, roll out the second ball of dough just as you did the first, then carefully place it over the apple filling. Pinch and seal the edges of both crusts together to prevent any delicious filling from bubbling out. Don’t forget to create a few small vents on the top crust – this allows steam to escape during baking, preventing a soggy crust and ensuring a beautiful golden finish. Finally, whisk the reserved egg white with a teaspoon of water to create a simple egg wash, and brush this mixture lightly over the top crust for a gorgeous golden sheen and a slightly crispier texture.
Bake your apple bars until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly. While still warm, whisk together your powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth, sweet glaze. Drizzle this generously over the warm bars. The residual warmth of the bars will help the glaze set perfectly, creating a delightful sugary topping that complements the rich apple filling and flaky crust. Let the glaze set completely before slicing into individual squares and savoring every single, utterly delicious bite!
Just take a moment to admire that picture. Honestly, does it get any better than those perfectly cinnamon-spiced apples peeking out from beneath that golden, flaky, glazed crust? The exquisite combination of warm, tender fruit and crisp, buttery pastry, all topped with a sweet, delicate glaze, is pure culinary magic. It’s a sensory experience that defines comfort and joy, especially during the cooler months when such treats are most appreciated. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making these apple bars truly irresistible.
These Apple Bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience, a taste of autumn, and a testament to how simple yet high-quality ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. And now, the crucial next step: we need to ensure these incredible Paisley Farm Sliced Apples with Cinnamon become widely available in stores everywhere so everyone can enjoy this baking convenience! Can you lend a hand in making this happen?
How to Request and Purchase Paisley Farm Sliced Apples with Cinnamon
Currently, these fantastic Paisley Farm Sliced Apples with Cinnamon are available for a limited time and on a seasonal basis at select Costco stores. Distribution is currently concentrated in regions such as Canada, Arizona, San Diego, and certain areas of Colorado. If you’re eager to get your hands on these time-saving, delicious apples to make your own batches of incredible apple bars and other desserts, we absolutely need to make our voices heard!
The next time you visit your local Costco, or any of your favorite grocery stores, please take a moment to request these Sliced Apples with Cinnamon. Simply ask customer service or a store manager about stocking them in their produce or canned goods aisle. The more requests they receive from passionate customers like you, the clearer it becomes to retailers that there is a strong, unmet demand for this product. Retailers pay close attention to customer feedback, and a consistent stream of inquiries can significantly influence their purchasing and inventory decisions. Trust me, once you try these for their convenience and exquisite flavor, you’ll understand why we want them everywhere!
A heartfelt thank you from both Paisley Farm and myself for your help in bringing these wonderful apples to more stores nationwide! Your enthusiastic support helps fellow home bakers discover the joy and ease of creating delicious apple desserts without the fuss of extensive preparation. Let’s work together to make these amazing apples a staple!
Explore the World of Paisley Farm Foods
Beyond their sensational Sliced Apples with Cinnamon, Paisley Farm offers a wide array of other fabulous products that are perfect for enhancing your everyday meals and special occasions. Their diverse range of pickled vegetables, beans, and other gourmet items are renowned for their quality and flavor, making them a pantry staple for many home cooks. I highly encourage you to discover their full range by visiting their comprehensive website. You’ll find a treasure trove of delicious options that simplify cooking and add gourmet flair to your dishes, from appetizers to sides.
For ongoing culinary inspiration, delightful new recipes, and to stay connected with their latest product releases and innovative cooking tips, be sure to follow Paisley Farm on their vibrant social media channels. Join their community on FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You won’t want to miss out on the fantastic ideas and seasonal recipes they share throughout the year – they’re always a source of delicious inspiration!
DISCOVER MORE DELICIOUS PAISLEY FARM RECIPES HERE
Loved This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible Apple Bar recipe slip away! If you’ve enjoyed reading about these delightful fall treats and are planning to bake them soon, make sure to save it. Pin this recipe image to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. It’s the perfect way to keep it handy for when those irresistible apple cravings strike, or when you’re looking for an impressive yet easy dessert to share with family and friends. A quick pin means you’ll always have this fantastic recipe at your fingertips!
Embrace the Flavors of Apple Season with More Delicious Recipes
Apple season holds a truly special place in my heart; it’s arguably my favorite time of year. There’s an undeniable magic in the air, a comforting feeling that comes with the crisp weather, vibrant foliage, and the abundance of fresh, juicy apples. The aroma of apples and warm, comforting spices baking in the kitchen is simply intoxicating, filling the home with a cozy, inviting atmosphere that gives me the “warm fuzzies” every single time. It’s the essence of autumn captured in a delicious treat.
To truly elevate your apple creations and add an extra layer of “wow factor” to any dish, I wholeheartedly recommend trying my homemade apple pie spice blend. Crafting your own spice mix ensures the freshest, most vibrant flavors, far superior to pre-made blends. The carefully balanced combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in this blend will undoubtedly take any apple recipe from delicious to absolutely extraordinary. It’s an easy step that makes a significant difference in the depth and complexity of your baked goods!
While you’re here, immersing yourself in the wonderful world of apple desserts, I wanted to share a few more of my cherished apple recipes. These are all perfect candidates for using Paisley Farm Sliced Apples, making them even easier and quicker to prepare than ever before. Imagine the convenience of skipping all that time-consuming prep work and diving straight into the exciting part of baking! Each recipe offers a unique way to celebrate the versatility and deliciousness of apples.
Here are some more irresistible apple recipes from my kitchen to inspire your autumn baking and beyond:
- Apple Kuchen (A delightful German Apple Cake that’s moist, rich, flavorful, and utterly comforting, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.)
- The Very BEST Apple Crisp (A timeless classic dessert with a perfectly buttery, crumbly oat topping and a tender, warmly spiced apple filling – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!)
- Apple Upside Down Cake (A stunning and elegant cake where sweet, caramelized apple slices form a beautiful, sticky topping, creating a true showstopper for any gathering.)
- Caramel Apple Tea Cake (A sophisticated yet wonderfully simple cake, beautifully marrying the rich, luscious flavors of caramel and tender apple, ideal for an afternoon treat or light dessert.)
- Apple Crisp in a Mug for One (The ultimate quick comfort food solution, perfect for satisfying a solo apple crisp craving in just minutes, without baking a whole batch.)
Now that we’ve explored the wonders of Paisley Farm apples, the secrets to a perfect flaky crust, and the irresistible allure of autumn’s favorite fruit, let’s get right to this incredibly simple yet utterly satisfying apple bar recipe! Gather your ingredients and prepare to create a truly memorable dessert. Happy baking!
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Print Recipe
Apple Bars with Paisley Farm Cinnamon Apples
Equipment
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Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup 3 piece set
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KitchenAid Gourmet Rolling Pin, One Size, Red
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Professional Dough Blender, Pastry Cutter Stainless Steel
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OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Jelly Roll, 9 x 13 Inch
Ingredients
For the Flaky Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup cold shortening (cut into pieces)
- 1 large egg (separated yolk for dough, white for egg wash)
- 2/3 cup cold milk
For the Apple Filling
- 1 35.5 ounce jar Paisley Farm Sliced Apples with Cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Sweet Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon milk (or more, for desired consistency)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold shortening (cut into small pieces) and blend it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of shortening remaining.
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In a separate measuring cup, add the egg yolk. Then, pour in enough cold milk to reach the 2/3 cup mark. Whisk these two ingredients together until well combined.
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Pour the egg/milk mixture into the flour-shortening mixture. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
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Divide the dough into two equally sized balls.
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Lightly flour your work surface and a rolling pin. Roll out one dough ball into a rectangle slightly larger than a 9×13-inch cookie sheet (one with shallow edges). Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto the cookie sheet and press it gently but firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides to form the bottom crust.
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Thoroughly drain the liquid from the Paisley Farm Sliced Apples with Cinnamon. In a medium bowl, gently toss the drained apples with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until they are lightly coated. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
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Spread the floured apples in an even layer over the bottom crust on the cookie sheet.
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Roll out the second dough ball for the top crust, mirroring the size and shape of the bottom crust. Carefully lay it over the apple filling. Press and seal the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to enclose the filling.
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Using a sharp knife or fork, poke a few small holes or cut slits into the top crust to create vents for steam to escape during baking. This helps ensure a crispier crust. Whisk the reserved egg white with about a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash, and lightly brush it over the top crust for a beautiful golden-brown finish.
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Bake the apple bars for 30 minutes at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
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While the bars are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a few drops at a time, until you reach a pourable but not too thin consistency. After the bars have cooled for about 15-20 minutes but are still warm, generously drizzle the prepared glaze over the top. The residual warmth will help the glaze set beautifully.
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Allow the glaze to set completely before cutting the apple bars into squares. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and prepare to enjoy a truly delightful homemade treat!
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