by Jen
on September 27, 2017
I baked Ina Garten’s Apple Pie Bars on Sunday afternoon and it’s safe to say that it’s the best baking recipe that I’ve tried in a long time. Ina + Apple Pie = two things you just can’t go wrong with.
I inadvertently messed up on the recipe but I think that made the bars even better. Also, I was heavy handed with the spices, changed the type of apples and added more apples than called for so I decided to share my take on the recipe with you.
I personally think these bars are JUST as good as a big slice of apple pie, if not better. They’re definitely easier than apple pie due to the ease of making the pastry crust. (I don’t agree with that whole “easy as apple pie” quote when it comes to making pie crust.) The pastry crust here is made in a mixer and then pressed into the bottom of a parchment paper-lined pan. You reserve about a third of it for sprinkling on top. No rolling or cutting required and it tastes incredible. So buttery and delicious with just the right balance of sweetness.
The apple pie bars are also extremely easy to lift out of the pan thanks to the parchment paper and the pastry crust holds up well to being sliced into squares and doesn’t crumble.
Speaking of sweetness, these apple pie bars aren’t hurt your teeth sweet. There’s no denying that they’re heavy on the butter and have their fair share of sugar but it all seems just right for a perfect homemade dessert.
I can confidently say that these bars are great on their own but you’re in for a treat if you serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Other favorite apple recipes…
Maple Apple Spice Cake
Cranberry Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Carrot Apple Ginger Soup
Cranberry, Apple and Walnut Quinoa
{ }
June 21, 2026
I recently traveled to Big Bear Lake, California for the inaugural Big Bear Peaks + Pines three-day stage race hosted by TransRockies Running. This was my third TransRockies event in 12 months (see also Colorado + Moab) and I’m here to tell you that they can do no wrong when it comes to race organization [...]
{ }
May 30, 2026
Happy weekend! Another week in the books! I got three runs in (6.5 miles, 5.5 miles, 5.5 miles) and I have a trail run planned for tomorrow. Total weekly mileage will end up around 30-35 miles depending on if I go for 13 or 17 tomorrow! I’m 16 weeks out from the Golden Ultra so [...]
{ }
May 23, 2026
Happy Memorial Day Weekend. It’s a very rainy one here in Charlotte and while I am a little bummed not to be spending the weekend in Florida with the fam or by the pool at our swim club (just opened for the season!), I’m also welcoming a slower pace and time at home. It’s been [...]
{ }
May 3, 2026
Hi and happy May! As we roll into the first full week of a new month, I have almost a month’s worth of lunch ideas for you. It’s a great mix of sandwiches, bowls, salads and wraps. I hope you enjoy and find some inspiration for your midday meal! Open-faced chickpea salad sandwich on toasted [...]
{ }
April 26, 2026
I ran the Charlotte Racefest Half Marathon on April 18 to pace a longtime client and friend in her first half marathon and had the best day out there! 2026 CHARLOTTE RACEFEST HALF MARATHON This was half marathon number 12 for me and a really fun, enjoyable and rewarding one! I started training my friend [...]
{ }
April 15, 2026
YOU GUYS! It’s been SIX MONTHS since I wrote a recent eats post! (insert face screaming emoji here) These have been a mainstay on my blog for years. It’s probably my longest-running content series of all time. I have received countless comments and messages from people over the yeas about how useful they find them [...]
{ }
April 12, 2026
Hello my friends! I hope this finds you enjoying all of the beauty and fresh starts that spring has to offer (and not too much of the sneezing and wheezing). Life has been good over here. I’m very much enjoying the longer days, cool mornings and warm afternoons and gorgeous blooms. Spring is so lovely [...]
{ }
