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Apple Citrus Pie Bars

These apple citrus pie bars feature a tender apple filling infused with lemon and orange peel, nestled on a buttery crust and topped with a crumbly streusel. They are baked until golden, showcasing a vibrant, fragrant aroma and a layered texture with crisp edges and soft, flavorful interior.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour for the crust and streusel
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar for the streusel
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into chunks
  • 3 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the filling
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest from one lemon
  • 1 teaspoon orange peel freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice freshly squeezed

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula
  • paring knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and half a cup of sugar, then cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to form the crust, and chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
  2. In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon zest, orange peel, cinnamon, lemon juice, and orange juice until well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the chilled crust in the baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the flour and sugar mixture over the apples to create a crisp streusel topping. Use your fingers or a fork to crumble the topping evenly across the surface.
  4. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The aroma of baked apples, citrus, and cinnamon will fill your kitchen as they bake.
  5. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
  6. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the bright citrus flavors combined with tender apples and crunchy streusel on top for a delightful treat.

Notes

For an extra burst of citrus, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.