Now that the sugar rush of Halloween has passed, I bet you’re either a) done with sweets for a while or b) looking for a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth. If your answer is a), then I can’t help you because I have a daily desire for sweets… which obviously means if your answer is b), then this recipe is for you!
These bars start with a shortbread-like base…
which is topped with a sweet apple pie filling…
and then crowned with more of the shortbread crust.
There’s no butter, refined sugar, or wheat flour in these bars, yet they really do taste like apple pie.
You really must chill the pie if you’re to have any success cutting it into bars; and even then they tend to be pretty crumbly. Thus, I suggest serving the bars with forks to cut down on the messiness factor.
Whether your sights are set on a delicious Thanksgiving dessert (which guests with an array of food allergies or intolerances can enjoy) or on a healthy seasonal treat…
these apple pie bars fit the bill perfectly!
| Name | Apple Pie Bars {Gluten-Free & Vegan} |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Fusion |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 12 |
| Yield | 12 bars |
Ingredients
- 3 Granny Smith apples, (preferably organic), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 6 Tbsp melted & cooled coconut oil* (make sure to melt before measuring)
- 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
*I always use unrefined virgin coconut oil, but if you can’t stand even the faintest flavor of coconut, you can use refined coconut oil for this recipe.
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Crust and Crumble
In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Mix until everything is well combined and forms a crumbly texture.
3. Assemble the Crust
Take two-thirds of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust layer. Use the back of a spoon to even it out.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples are well coated.
5. Layer the Apples
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the oat crust.
6. Add the Crumble Topping
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the apples to create a crumbly topping.
7. Bake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Cool and Slice
Allow the apple pie bars to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing them into squares.
9. Serve
Serve your gluten-free and vegan apple pie bars warm or at room temperature. They’re delicious on their own or with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin D: 0%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 6%
- Potassium: 95mg
