If you’re craving the perfect blend of crisp apples, warm spices, and buttery crumbly goodness all in a handy handheld treat, this Apple Pie Bars Recipe is going to become your new go-to dessert. Imagine all the cozy flavors of classic apple pie transformed into bars that are easier to make, easier to share, and just as comforting. Whether you want a quick homemade dessert for your family or something delightful to bring to a gathering, these bars hit all the right notes with their tender crust, juicy apple filling, and irresistible oat streusel topping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Pie Bars Recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a special part — from the butter that adds rich moisture, to spices that bring warmth, making every bite unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for both the crust and topping, it gives a rich, tender texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and apple filling, balancing tartness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely depth of flavor to the crust mixture.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for crust, filling thickener, and topping structure.
- Apples: Peeled and thinly sliced, they provide juicy, fresh fruit flavor and texture.
- Brown sugar: Used in the filling and streusel for a caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: A warming spice that defines the apple pie flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, cozy spice note within the apples.
- Old-fashioned oats: In the topping, they add a hearty, slightly chewy crunch.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper so your bars come out effortlessly. Next, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Stir in flour until everything comes together into a dough. Press this mixture evenly into your pan to form the crust and bake it for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden — this sets a delicious base that’s both tender and sturdy.
Step 2: Mix the apple filling
While the crust bakes, peel and thinly slice your apples. Toss them in a large bowl with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. This mixture creates juicy, spiced apple slices that will turn soft and flavorful when baked, with just enough thickening to keep the filling perfect between the layers.
Step 3: Assemble with apple layer
Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread your spiced apple mixture evenly on top. This layering gives each bite a satisfying balance of crispy base and tender fruit.
Step 4: Add the streusel topping
In a small bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, and flour. Stir in the melted butter until the topping forms crumbly clusters. Sprinkle this generously over the apples — it will bake into a golden, crunchy crown that perfectly contrasts the soft filling.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Pop the assembled pan into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the apples are tender and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing so everything sets nicely, making them easier to cut and even more enjoyable to eat.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these Apple Pie Bars Recipe beauties with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add extra texture and richness, turning your dessert into a party-worthy delight.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn these bars into a full apple-themed dessert spread, pair them with cinnamon-spiced apple cider or warm chai tea. These drinks complement the flavors perfectly and enhance all those cozy apple pie notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares for easy snacking at parties or arranging them on a rustic wooden board with seasonal fruits and nuts for a charming autumn dessert platter. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine — perfect for gifting or packing in lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Pie Bars Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week, just bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
These bars freeze very well, making them fantastic for meal prep or last-minute dessert craving. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay delicious for up to three months!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated bars, warm them gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps to revive the buttery crust and softens the apple layers, offering that fresh-baked experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in the Apple Pie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully for a balanced sweetness, but you can also mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sugar amount if your apples are particularly sweet.
Is there a gluten-free option for this Apple Pie Bars Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or add a bit yourself to help maintain the crust and topping texture.
Can these bars be made vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, swap the butter for a quality plant-based butter substitute and use a vanilla extract that is alcohol-based rather than imitation. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, so this swap works well without changing the flavor much.
How do I know when the Apple Pie Bars Recipe is fully baked?
The bars are ready when the apples are tender, and the oat streusel topping has turned golden brown. You can insert a toothpick near the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Apple Pie Bars Recipe actually tastes better the next day when the flavors meld. Prepare them a day ahead, store covered in the fridge, and serve at room temperature or lightly warmed to impress your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Bars Recipe is a total game changer if you want all those cozy apple pie vibes without the fuss of slicing and crimping a traditional pie crust. It’s simple, comforting, and so darn delicious that it will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation. Trust me, once you try making and sharing these bars, you’ll find endless reasons to bake them again and again!
Print
Apple Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously tender apple pie bars featuring a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping. Perfect for an easy dessert that combines the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in convenient bar form.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Apple Filling
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour until fully combined into a dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss peeled and thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to coat the apples evenly and absorb excess moisture.
- Assemble Apple Layer: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust in the baking pan, ensuring an even layer.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Stir in 1/4 cup melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy your homemade apple pie bars!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to peel and slice apples uniformly for even cooking.
- Let the bars cool completely to ensure clean cuts and proper set.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
