Flaky Apple Pie Bars: A Weight Watchers-Friendly Delight

There’s nothing like the aroma of apple pie to evoke feelings of comfort and home. These Flaky Apple Pie Bars are a Weight Watchers-friendly version of the classic dessert, offering all the cozy flavors of traditional apple pie with fewer SmartPoints. Perfect for any season and for those mindful of their points, these bars combine a buttery crust, tender apple filling, and a crumbly topping that’s sure to satisfy.

A Taste of Nostalgia

Autumn has always been a special time for my family, filled with vibrant colors and the joy of apple picking. The freshly picked apples would become the centerpiece of our kitchen, transformed into delicious pies, crisps, and bars. These Flaky Apple Pie Bars are inspired by those cherished family moments, delivering the comforting essence of apple pie with a Weight Watchers twist.

Ingredients and Their SmartPoints

Crust and Crumb Topping:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Apple Filling:

  • 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

SmartPoints per Serving (16 Servings): 4 SmartPoints

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a food processor, pulse together the flour and granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will ensure a flaky, tender texture in both the crust and crumb topping.

Assemble the Bars:

  1. Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the apples, tossing until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the pan.

Create the Apple Cider Glaze:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch and apple cider. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble and Bake:

  1. Pour the apple cider glaze evenly over the apple layer in the pan, ensuring all apples are coated.
  2. Crumble the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top of the apple layer.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and bubbly.

Cool and Serve:

  1. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 bars. This helps the filling set for cleaner slices.
  2. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of low-fat whipped cream if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Fruit Variations: Substitute apples with pears or a combination of apples and berries for a different flavor profile while keeping the points in check.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts to the crumb topping if desired. Be mindful of the added SmartPoints.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-free diets.
  • Vegan Variation: Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute, ensuring it is cold and cubed to maintain the flaky texture.

Conclusion

These Flaky Apple Pie Bars offer a delightful way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie while staying on track with your Weight Watchers goals. With their buttery crust, flavorful apple filling, and crunchy topping, each bar provides a satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of homemade apple pie in a convenient, Weight Watchers-friendly format!