Name: Apple Pie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Crust:; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; For the 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; For the 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

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Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Combines all the classic apple pie flavors in bar form
Buttery, tender shortbread crust
Perfectly spiced, tender apple filling
Crunchy, sweet streusel topping
No pie crust rolling required
Great for sharing or meal prep
Freezer-friendly for future treats
Customizable with different fruits or spices
Easy to cut and serve
Always a crowd favorite

Ingredients

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

For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour

For the 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

For the 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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add flour and stir until a dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and flour. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per bar: 280 kcal

Variations

Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the streusel add crunch and flavor.
Try other fruits: Substitute half the apples with pears or berries.
Caramel drizzle: Add a light drizzle of caramel sauce after baking.
Spice it up: Add ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and topping.
Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Maple sweetness: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Use apple pie spice: Swap the cinnamon and nutmeg for a pre-made apple pie spice blend.
Mini version: Bake in a muffin tin for individual apple pie bites.
Crumble topping: Add a touch of flour and chopped almonds for an extra crunchy topping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Reheating:
Warm bars in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds if desired.

FAQs

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Bake the crust separately before adding the apple filling. This step helps create a sturdy base that resists sogginess.

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

Yes, but fresh apples give a better texture and flavor. If using canned filling, reduce the baking time slightly.

What type of apples work best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well and balance the sweetness.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and bake the bars a day in advance. They often taste even better the next day.

How do I cut clean slices?

Cool the bars completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut for neat edges.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger pan or bake two separate batches to maintain even cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes. Use plant-based butter alternatives and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

What can I serve with apple pie bars?

They pair wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce the sugar slightly in the filling or streusel to suit your taste without compromising the texture.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The topping should be golden and the apples fork-tender. A slight bubbling from the apples is a good sign.

Conclusion

Apple pie bars are the perfect blend of cozy, classic flavors and modern convenience. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, hosting a get-together, or just craving something sweet and spiced, these bars are a delightful treat. With their buttery base, soft apple center, and crumbly topping, they offer all the warmth of a homemade pie—made easier and sharable.

Apple Pie Bars