Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Apples: 5 medium-sized (about 500g), peeled and diced
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons (40g)

For the Dough:

• Eggs: 2 large eggs (about 62g each)
• Sugar: 5 tablespoons (100g)
• Vanilla sugar: 1 tablespoon (8g)
• Butter: 5 tablespoons (100g), melted
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (4g)
• Flour: 380-400g (about 3 ¼ cups)

Additional Ingredients:

• Sugar: 80g
• Oil: 70ml
• Milk: 80ml
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Flour: 220g (1 ¾ cups)
• Walnuts: Optional, chopped, for extra crunch
• Jam: Optional, for a sweet topping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel and chop apples: Start by peeling and finely dicing the apples. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with the lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bit of tartness.
2. Add sugar: Mix in the sugar (2 tablespoons) and stir until the apples are well-coated. Set the mixture aside to let the apples release some of their natural juices.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Beat the eggs and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with 5 tablespoons of sugar and vanilla sugar until well-combined and slightly frothy.
2. Incorporate the butter: Add the melted butter to the egg mixture and mix well. The butter gives the dough a rich, tender texture.
3. Add baking powder and flour: Gradually add baking powder and about 380-400g of flour, stirring until the mixture forms a soft, pliable dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s easy to handle.
4. Knead the dough: Lightly knead the dough for a minute to make sure all ingredients are well combined. Cover and let it rest while you prepare the additional layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Additional Layer

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 80g sugar, 70ml oil, 80ml milk, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder until smooth.
2. Add flour: Gradually add 220g flour to the mixture, stirring until you form a smooth, pourable batter.

Step 4: Assemble the Pastry Bars

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: Divide the dough in half. Roll out one portion to fit the bottom of your baking tray and carefully lay it onto the parchment paper.
3. Add apple filling: Spread the apple filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
4. Pour the additional layer: Pour the batter from Step 3 over the apples, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the apple layer.
5. Roll out remaining dough: Roll out the remaining dough and lay it over the top of the additional layer. Press down lightly to secure the layers together.

Step 5: Optional Toppings

1. Add walnuts or jam: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top, or dot the surface with small amounts of your favorite jam.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Cool and slice: Allow the pastry to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing into bars.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~290 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 15g
• Sodium: 100mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of fruit for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or even berries for a different flavor profile. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.

2. What if I don’t have vanilla sugar?

If you don’t have vanilla sugar, you can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or skip it altogether. Regular sugar will still work well in the recipe.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount slightly for the right consistency.

4. How can I make this dessert vegan?

For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter and replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) or an egg replacer.

Tips for Making Perfect Apple Pastry Bars

1. Choose the right apples: For the best flavor and texture, use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well when baked and add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the dough.
2. Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in a tough dough. Mix until just combined for a tender, flaky texture.
3. Add spices for extra flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can be added to the apple filling for a warm, spiced aroma.
4. Rest the bars before slicing: Allow the baked pastry to cool slightly before cutting to let the layers set, making it easier to slice cleanly.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the pastry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the bars in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors often deepen after a day.
• Freezing: These pastry bars freeze well. Place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

Classic Apple-Filled Pastry Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples, buttery dough, and a hint of sweetness. This easy-to-follow recipe will quickly become a household favorite for its versatility and satisfying taste. Enjoy these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or serve them cold as a midday treat with coffee or tea. The optional additions of walnuts or jam make it easy to customize each batch to your liking. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these pastry bars are sure to be a hit!