Apple Pie Bars
Apple Pie Bars are a tasty twist on the classic apple pie you know and love, but in an easy-to-hold bar form. They’re packed with warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Apple Pie Bars are a tasty twist on the classic apple pie you know and love, but in an easy-to-hold bar form. They’re packed with warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling and have a buttery, crumbly crust that makes every bite feel like a cozy fall day. The best part is how the flavors of the apples and cinnamon come together with just the right amount of sweetness and a slightly crunchy topping.
I love making these bars because they’re so simple to slice and share, which is perfect when I’m bringing a dessert to a friend’s house or packing a treat for the kids’ lunchboxes. They remind me of all those times I helped bake with family, sneaking little tastes of the juicy apple filling before it went into the oven. A quick tip I like to use is to toss the apple slices with a bit of lemon juice to keep them bright and fresh tasting.
These bars are just right on their own or warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I often enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Every time I make apple pie bars, they bring a little bit of home and comfort to the table—just simple, honest, delicious baking that everyone seems to love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend tart varieties like Granny Smith or crisp Honeycrisp. They hold shape well and balance the sweetness. If you prefer, Fuji or Pink Lady apples work nicely too.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is important for a tender, crumbly crust. If needed, you can swap with a vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Sugar: This recipe uses both granulated and brown sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. You can try coconut sugar as a lower-glycemic substitute.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic flavors here. Feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
How Do You Achieve a Perfect Crumbly Crust and Topping?
Getting that crumbly texture is all about how you mix the butter and flour:
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge. Cut it into small pieces before mixing.
- Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you see pea-size crumbs.
- Don’t overwork the dough after adding eggs — just knead enough to bring it together.
- Press half the dough firmly into the pan for a stable base. Bake it a little before adding the filling to help it set.
- For the topping, crumble the remaining dough loosely over the filling. This keeps the crumbly texture after baking.
These tips help keep the crust tender and the topping satisfyingly crumbly, making every bite enjoyable.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan – perfect size for bars and makes slicing easy.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least two, one for crust and one for apple filling.
- Pastry cutter or fork – great for blending cold butter into the flour without warming it too much.
- Sharp knife – to peel, core, and dice apples evenly for consistent baking.
- Parchment paper – lines the pan to prevent sticking and helps lift bars out easily.
- Wire cooling rack – lets bars cool evenly and avoids soggy bottoms.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or a mix with apples for a twist on flavor and texture.
- Add 1 teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom for a warming spice variation.
- Mix in ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries into the apple filling for bursts of sweetness.
- Stir chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the topping for extra crunch and nuttiness.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for extra crunch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 50-55 minutes to bake, plus extra time to let the bars cool completely before slicing—around 1 hour total. It’s a clear and straightforward process you can easily do in one go.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper so your bars don’t stick and come out easily.
2. Make the Crust and Topping Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything until you get coarse crumbs. Add one egg and the vanilla extract, gently kneading just until the dough holds together. Divide this dough in half.
3. Bake the Crust:
Press one half of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust layer. Bake it for about 10 minutes or until it turns a light golden color. This helps the crust set before adding the filling.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the crust bakes, combine diced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix well so all the apple pieces are nicely coated. If you like, fold in the chopped nuts for some added crunch.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Remove the crust from the oven, then spread the apple filling evenly over it. Next, crumble the remaining half of the dough over the top to create a crumbly topping.
6. Bake until Golden:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the apple filling should be bubbling.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to help them set properly. Then slice into squares. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you want a special treat!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the bars soggy. Toss them with a bit of lemon juice before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Apple pie bars taste great even the next day. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave before serving if you like them warm.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Pie Bars?
Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To maintain the crust’s crispness, you can warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Can I Substitute the Nuts or Leave Them Out?
Yes! Nuts are optional in this recipe. You can omit them or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture. If you have nut allergies, simply skip them without affecting the overall flavor.
