Apple Pie Bars Recipe
If you adore the classic coziness of homemade pie but crave the simplicity of a dessert you can slice and share, you’ll fall completely in love with these Apple Pie Bars. With a buttery crust that doubles as the crumbly topping, tender cinnamon-spiced apples in every bite, and a sweet vanilla glaze to finish, this treat is everything warm and wonderful about fall baking — but in a form made for potlucks, snack time, or just when you need a little homemade comfort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Apple Pie Bars plays a delicious, important role — from the buttery base that holds everything together, to the tart apples and the delightful, just-sweet-enough glaze. Gather these essentials for layers of flavor and irresistible texture.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the crust and topping their tender, sturdy bite and keeps the bars easy to slice.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the apple filling, emphasizing the fruit’s natural flavor.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings a hint of molasses depth to the crumb, making each bite rich and cozy.
- Baking powder: Adds just a touch of lift to keep the crust and crumb topping light.
- Salt: Balances out all that sweetness and intensifies the apple-cinnamon flavors.
- Cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes): Key for a flaky crust and a perfect, crumbly golden topping — don’t skimp!
- Large egg: Binds the crust together and helps create a soft, cookie-like bite.
- Medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (use 3 or 4): The star filling; choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for beautiful results.
- Granulated sugar (for the filling): Brings out sweetness in the apples and helps create a luscious, juicy texture.
- All-purpose flour (for the filling): Gently thickens the apple filling so it sets nicely as the bars cool.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic partner for apples; it infuses warmth into every bite.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch heightens the spice blend and brings nostalgic pie vibes.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the apple mixture and keeps the flavors vibrant, never flat.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Makes the topping irresistible by adding a delicate, sweet finish.
- Milk: Just enough to create a pourable, pretty glaze.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that comforting, gentle aroma to the simple glaze — the perfect last touch.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Gather up your ingredients, peel and slice the apples (aim for thin, even slices), and cube your cold butter to keep things moving smoothly. This little bit of prep work makes the assembly a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble Topping
In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give everything a quick stir to combine. Next, add your cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or a sturdy fork, cut the butter in until the mixture looks crumbly, almost like coarse sand with some larger pea-sized bits of butter left in. Stir in the large egg until a soft, slightly sticky dough comes together. This dough is your multitasker: it’ll become both the soft base and the streusel-style topping for your Apple Pie Bars.
Step 3: Press in the Crust
Take half (just eyeball it!) of your dough and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to get an even layer. This will create a sturdy, golden foundation for all the juicy apples to come. Set aside the rest of the dough for the topping.
Step 4: Mix the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss together your peeled and sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix until every apple slice is nicely coated – this ensures each bite will be flavorful and perfectly thickened. The lemon juice not only brightens the taste but also keeps the apples tender and vibrant during baking.
Step 5: Layer the Apples and Crumble
Spread your spiced apple mixture evenly across the crust in the pan. Then, take the remaining dough and crumble it with your fingers over the top of the apples — aim for some larger chunks and some smaller crumbs for a rustic look. As the bars bake, these pieces will turn wonderfully golden and crisp.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know your Apple Pie Bars are done when the top is a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling a little around the edges. Let the bars cool completely in the pan; this helps them set and makes slicing tidy and effortless.
Step 7: Finish with Glaze
Once the bars are cool, whisk together your powdered sugar, a tablespoon or two of milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously all over the bars for that sweet, polished bakery finish (plus a little extra deliciousness in every bite). Cut your Apple Pie Bars into squares and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Apple Pie Bars
Garnishes
For a classic touch, dust your Apple Pie Bars with a light snowfall of powdered sugar right before serving. If you love extra flair, add a dollop of whipped cream, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft bars.
Side Dishes
These bars almost beg for a cozy mug of cider, a creamy latte, or even just a tall glass of cold milk on the side. For brunch parties or dessert buffets, serve them alongside fresh berries, spiced nuts, or a fruit salad for a sweet spread that’s guaranteed to please both kids and grown-ups.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack your Apple Pie Bars on a rustic wooden board or slate platter, and drizzle a little extra glaze over the top for an eye-catching shine. If you’re gifting, wrap bars in parchment and tie with twine — think homemade bakery treat! Or serve à la mode, slightly warmed with ice cream and caramel for a plated dessert that feels extra-special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to three days. Their flavor actually deepens a bit overnight, so don’t be shy about making them a day ahead for easy entertaining.
Freezing
Apple Pie Bars freeze beautifully! Arrange completely cooled bars in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To enjoy that “just-baked” flavor, pop chilled or thawed bars into a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes until slightly warm. If you prefer, individual bars can be gently microwaved in 10-15 second bursts – just enough to bring out the softness and let those apple aromas shine.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Absolutely! While apples are classic, pears or stone fruits like peaches can work beautifully. Adjust the sugar and spices to complement your chosen fruit, and expect a slightly different but equally delicious take on these bars.
What kind of apples are best for Apple Pie Bars?
Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape and balance out the sweet crumble and glaze, giving you that wonderful mix of tender and crisp in every bite.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeled apples create a more tender, classic filling and ensure the texture is just right for bars. Leaving the peels on is possible if you like extra texture, but the bars may have a slightly chewier filling.
Can I make Apple Pie Bars gluten free?
Yes! Swap the regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking blend. Check that your other ingredients are also gluten free, and be aware the texture may be a bit more crumbly, but still delicious.
How do I prevent soggy bars?
Make sure to use the amount of flour called for in the apple filling — it thickens the juices as the bars bake. Also, let the bars cool completely before cutting, so everything sets up nicely and slices hold together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Apple Pie Bars for yourself. Whether you’re baking for company or just want a special treat for your afternoon coffee, they’re a joyful blend of all the things we love about homemade apple desserts. Give them a go, and see how quickly they become your new go-to!
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Apple Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, with a buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and optional glaze. Perfect for fall or any time of year!
Ingredients
For the crust and topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 3–4 medium apples (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg until dough forms. Press half into pan for crust.
- Prepare the filling: Toss apples with sugar, flour, spices, and lemon juice. Spread over crust.
- Add the topping: Crumble remaining dough over the apples.
- Bake and glaze: Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden. Cool, then drizzle with glaze.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
- Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
