Description
These apple pie bars combine a buttery almond flour crust, a spiced apple filling, and a drizzle of caramel for a delightful, healthier dessert. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a quick, satisfying treat!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1/4 cup smooth natural almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups almond flour
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 3 large sweet-tart apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp arrowroot starch
For the Caramel:
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Make the Caramel:
- In a small bowl, whisk together almond butter, honey, coconut oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside.
3. Make the Apple Filling:
- In a large skillet, combine the chopped apples, water, arrowroot starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and honey.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add almond butter, melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together.
5. Assemble the Bars:
- Press 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the apple layer.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Drizzle the prepared caramel over the cooled bars. Slice into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Pan Prep Tip: Line your pan with parchment paper to easily lift the bars out for clean slicing.
- Thicker Filling: Mix the arrowroot starch with a small amount of cold water before adding to the apples to avoid clumping.
- Pressing Dough: Use a spatula to evenly distribute the crust layer for even baking.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
