Apple Pie Bars take everything you love about classic apple pie—the buttery crust, tender spiced apples, and sweet crumbly topping—and transform it into a convenient, easy-to-serve dessert bar. They’re perfect when you want all the comfort and nostalgia of homemade pie without the hassle of rolling dough or assembling a lattice top. These bars slice beautifully, travel well, and taste like cozy autumn afternoons in every bite.
They make a wonderful addition to fall potlucks, bake sales, or Thanksgiving dessert tables, but they’re simple enough for a weekday treat too. Imagine buttery shortbread layered with cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden streusel topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. Served warm with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these bars rival any traditional pie slice.
Whether you’re baking for family, bringing a treat to the office, or stocking the freezer for future cravings, Apple Pie Bars are a guaranteed hit. They strike the perfect balance between crisp, chewy, and gooey textures—all in one easy-to-hold square.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe relies on simple pantry ingredients, each chosen for its role in building layers of texture and flavor. You can customize easily based on what you have on hand.
Apples: Use firm, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. They hold shape well and bring a bright flavor. You can mix types for depth—half tart, half sweet. Canned apple pie filling works in a pinch, but fresh gives the best texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives rich flavor to both the crust and streusel topping. Substitute salted butter and reduce added salt slightly, or use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base for both crust and topping. You can replace up to 1/4 of the flour with oat flour or almond flour for extra flavor and texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes to the crust and crumble. Dark brown sugar creates deeper flavor; light brown sugar gives a milder sweetness. Coconut sugar also works well.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices bring the signature warm apple-pie aroma. Feel free to add a pinch of allspice, cardamom, or cloves for a more complex profile.
Oats (Optional): Old-fashioned rolled oats can be added to the topping for a rustic, chewy texture. Quick oats work, but avoid instant oats.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the apple layer and balances sweetness. You can use orange juice for a softer citrus note.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk and wooden spoon or spatula
- Pastry cutter or fork (for streusel)
- Knife and peeler for apples
- Parchment paper (for easy removal)
- Wire cooling rack
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Caramel Apple Bars: Drizzle salted caramel over the apple filling before adding the crumble topping.
- Apple Cranberry: Mix in 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for tart sweetness.
- Maple Pecan: Substitute part of the sugar with maple syrup and add chopped pecans to the streusel.
- Apple Cheesecake Bars: Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese over the crust before adding the apples.
- Apple Almond: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the crust and top with sliced almonds for a nutty touch.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Spiced Chai: Replace cinnamon and nutmeg with chai spice blend for a cozy twist.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large apples (about 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (2 sticks), cut into cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time: about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Plan 20 minutes for prep, 40–45 minutes for baking, and 10 minutes to cool slightly before slicing. These bars also store and freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release juices and absorb flavor while you make the crust.
2. Make the Crust and Streusel
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut in using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in vanilla extract. Reserve 1 cup of this crumb mixture for the topping and press the rest firmly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan to form the crust.
3. Layer the Apples
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust, leaving any excess liquid behind to avoid sogginess. If desired, sprinkle a tablespoon of flour over the apples to absorb juices during baking.
4. Add the Crumble Topping
Stir oats (if using) into the reserved crumb mixture, then sprinkle it evenly over the apple layer. Press gently to help it stick together but don’t flatten it completely—the loose crumbles bake into a golden, crunchy topping.
5. Bake and Cool
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Let the bars cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper and transfer to a rack. Slice into bars once cooled slightly.
Pro Tips for Best Texture & Taste
These Apple Pie Bars are simple to make, but a few tricks guarantee the best texture and balance of flavor.
- Use cold butter for the crust and topping—it creates flakier, more tender layers.
- Don’t overmix the crumb mixture; visible butter bits help form the right texture.
- Let the bars cool slightly before slicing to help the filling set.
- For extra shine and sweetness, brush the baked bars lightly with melted apple jelly while warm.
- Rewarm bars in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh the crisp topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake, cool, and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Can I freeze Apple Pie Bars?
Definitely. Freeze cooled bars in a single layer or stacked with parchment between layers. Wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but drain off some of the syrup to prevent sogginess. You’ll need about 2 1/2 cups of filling for this recipe.
What’s the best way to serve them?
Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for that classic apple-pie experience in bar form.