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Cozy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars

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These Cozy Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars combine tender cinnamon-swirled dough with juicy apples and a sweet glaze, making a perfect easy homemade autumn treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (one packet)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 medium apples (about 1 lb / 450g), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • ⅓ cup (70g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp (30-45ml) milk (dairy or dairy-free)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, ground cinnamon, and salt. Warm milk to about 110°F (43°C). Add the milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead the Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
  3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the Apple Filling: Combine sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a bowl. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Assemble the Bars: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan. Transfer dough to the pan and press into an even layer. Spread apple filling evenly over the dough.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the pan loosely and let rise for another 20-30 minutes to puff up slightly.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake bars for 35-40 minutes until edges are golden and apples are bubbling. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  8. Prepare the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk for desired thickness.
  9. Cool and Glaze: Let bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. Drizzle glaze over the top. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture. Avoid rushing rise times to prevent dense bars. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Let bars cool before glazing to prevent glaze from melting into bars. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk. Gluten-free version can be made with gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll, apple pie, autumn dessert, apple bars, homemade, easy recipe, fall treat, cinnamon, apple pie bars

Find it online: https://milacook.com/cozy-cinnamon-roll-apple-pie-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-autumn-treat/