Apple pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, offering all the flavors you love in an easy-to-make and portable form. With a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are perfect for dessert, snacks, or holiday gatherings. Best of all, they’re much simpler to make than a traditional pie, with no rolling out dough required.

1. Why Make Apple Pie Bars?

Easier Than Pie

No need to fuss with pie dough—these bars come together quickly with a simple press-in crust.

Perfect for Sharing

Great for potlucks, parties, or as an after-dinner treat, they’re easy to slice and serve.

Customizable and Delicious

You can adjust the sweetness, spices, or topping to make them uniquely yours.

2. Ingredients

For the Crust

• Unsalted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), melted
• Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups
• Salt – 1/4 teaspoon

For the Apple Filling

• Apples – 5 medium (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
• Brown sugar – 1/3 cup
• Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon
• Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

For the Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour – 3/4 cup
• Brown sugar – 1/3 cup
• Rolled oats – 1/2 cup
• Unsalted butter – 6 tablespoons (cold and cubed)
• Cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon

this Recipe

3. Preparing the Crust

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together.

Step 2: Press Into the Pan

• Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Bake

• Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set aside.

4. Preparing the Apple Filling

Step 1: Slice and Season Apples

• In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice.

Step 2: Cook the Apples (Optional)

• For a softer filling, sauté the apples in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes before layering them onto the crust.

5. Making the Streusel Topping

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

• In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon.

Step 2: Add Butter

• Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

6. Assembling the Bars

Step 1: Add the Filling

• Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.

Step 2: Sprinkle the Topping

• Evenly distribute the streusel topping over the apples.

7. Baking the Bars

Step 1: Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Step 2: Cool and Slice

• Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.

8. Serving Suggestions

Warm and Cozy

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Drizzle for Extra Flavor

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decadent touch.

9. Tips for Success

1. Use the Right Apples

• Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.

2. Cool Completely

• Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing to ensure clean, sharp edges.

3. Adjust Sweetness

• For a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the filling or topping slightly.

4. Double the Streusel

• If you love extra crumble, double the streusel topping for added crunch.

10. Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option

• Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the crust and topping.

Nutty Streusel

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra texture and flavor.

Spiced Bars

• Enhance the flavor by adding ground cardamom or cloves to the apple filling.

Vegan Bars

• Substitute vegan butter for unsalted butter in the crust and topping.

11. Why Apple Pie Bars Are a Must-Try

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

The warm, spiced apple filling and buttery crust make this dessert irresistible.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From family gatherings to holiday parties, these bars are versatile and always a hit.

Portable and Easy to Serve

Unlike traditional pie, these bars are easy to transport, slice, and share.

FAQs

1. Can I make apple pie bars ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day in advance. Store them at room temperature or in the fridge, tightly covered.

2. How do I store apple pie bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

3. Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. What’s the best way to reheat apple pie bars?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm the entire pan in the oven at 300°F.

5. Can I use pre-made pie filling?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as fresh or spiced. Adjust with additional cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

6. What other fruits can I use?

Try pears, peaches, or a mix of apples and berries for a fruity variation.

7. How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Pre-baking the crust ensures it stays firm and doesn’t get soggy from the apple filling.

8. Can I make these bars less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the filling and topping to suit your taste.

9. What if my topping isn’t crispy enough?

Bake a few extra minutes until the streusel is golden and crunchy.

10. Can I serve these bars warm?

Yes! They’re delicious warm, but let them set slightly after baking to make slicing easier.