Fall baking reaches new heights with these irresistible Apple Kuchen Bars! This delightful German-inspired treat combines a buttery, tender crust with juicy spiced apples and a sweet, crumbly topping that will fill your kitchen with the most comforting aroma imaginable.
Perfect for both casual family desserts and special occasions, these bars strike the ideal balance between homey comfort food and elegant pastry. The contrasting textures and warm cinnamon notes make this a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation throughout apple season and beyond.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge
- Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes even better the next day!
- Less fussy than traditional apple pie but with all the same beloved flavors
- Portable squares are perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or potlucks
- Versatile base recipe that works with other seasonal fruits too
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 medium apples (about 3 cups when sliced)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Toss them with 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Arrange the seasoned apple slices evenly over the crust.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, vanilla, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Pour this mixture over the apples.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top, then scatter sliced almonds if using.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang and cutting into bars.
Tips & Variations
- Try using a mix of apple varieties for more complex flavor – Granny Smith for tartness paired with Honeycrisp for sweetness works beautifully
- Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the apple mixture for extra sweetness and texture
- Substitute the almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty dimension
- For a caramel apple version, drizzle with 1/4 cup of caramel sauce just after baking
- Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Kuchen Bars are absolutely delicious on their own, but for an extra-special dessert, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The contrast of the warm, spiced bars with cold, creamy ice cream is truly magical.
For a cozy afternoon treat, pair a bar with a cup of hot apple cider, coffee, or chai tea to complement the warm spices in the recipe.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days
- These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag
- The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (though it might have some moist apple bits clinging to it)
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These bars actually develop even more flavor overnight, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts. Just store them in an airtight container.
What are the best apples to use for this recipe?
Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith work best as they hold their shape when baked and provide good flavor contrast.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.
My topping got too brown before the bars were fully baked. What should I do?
If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
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