Apple Pie Bars offer all the delicious flavors of a classic apple pie, but with a fraction of the effort. These bars feature a flaky, buttery crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping that brings everything together. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or looking for a quick treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these apple pie bars are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple pie bars are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie without the hassle of a pie crust. The sweet and tart apple filling is spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, while the buttery crust and streusel topping add the ideal amount of richness and crunch. These bars are incredibly easy to make, and they can be served for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a special celebration. Plus, they’re even better when chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together for a perfect dessert experience. Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup salted butter (softened)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar

For the Apple Filling:

4-5 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thin)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8” baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 20 minutes, until lightly golden.
Make the apple filling: In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the bars cool in the pan, then chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Cut into squares and serve with salted caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and streusel topping to make these bars gluten-free.
Vegan Version: Swap the butter for vegan butter and use a plant-based milk in place of the dairy products.
Nutty Streusel: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for a nutty crunch.
Spiced Caramel: Drizzle the bars with homemade spiced caramel sauce for an extra rich and flavorful twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: To enjoy warm, gently heat the bars in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust for the base?

While homemade crust gives the best results, you can use a store-bought pie crust as a shortcut if you’re in a hurry. Just be sure to bake it before adding the filling.

2. What kind of apples are best for apple pie bars?

A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith apples are perfect for a tart kick, while Gala or Fuji apples bring the sweetness.

3. Can I freeze these apple pie bars?

Yes! After baking, allow the bars to cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

4. Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the streusel topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it.

5. Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust ahead of time. After pressing it into the pan, refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.

6. How can I make these bars less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, decrease the amount of sugar in the apple filling or streusel topping to your preference.

7. Can I use different fruits in place of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches would make great substitutes for apples. Just be sure to adjust the baking time depending on the fruit you use.

8. Can I top these bars with whipped cream instead of frosting?

Yes, whipped cream would be a delightful topping for these apple pie bars, adding a light and fluffy texture to complement the richness of the streusel.

9. Can I skip the streusel topping?

If you prefer a simpler bar, you can skip the streusel topping and just bake the apple filling over the crust. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

10. Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, to keep the bars fresh and to achieve the best texture, it’s recommended to refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before serving.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the classic taste of apple pie but wants something simpler and more convenient. With a buttery crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars bring all the flavors you love in a handheld form. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering or just craving something sweet, these apple pie bars will surely satisfy your dessert desires!

Apple Pie Bars

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Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 9 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Easier than pie, these Apple Pie Bars are packed with sweet apples, topped with a buttery streusel, and baked on a flaky crust. Perfect for any occasion and a delicious alternative to traditional apple pie!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8” baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 20 minutes, until lightly golden.
Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Assemble the Bars: When the crust is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
Top the Bars: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Cool and Chill: Cool the bars in the pan, then chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Serve: Cut into squares and serve with salted caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a drizzle of caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream on top when serving.
Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the pan or use aluminum foil to prevent sticking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 320
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg