Apple Pie Bars
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Apple pie is a timeless fall dessert, and these Apple Pie Bars are a delicious shortcut to all that cozy flavor—without the hassle of rolling out pie dough. When you’re craving something sweet and seasonal but want to skip the chill, roll, and crimp routine, this recipe is your new best friend.
Instead of traditional pie crust, you’ll make a simple dough that doubles as both the base and the topping. Just press two-thirds of the dough into your baking pan, layer on the cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and crumble the remaining dough over the top. It’s rustic, easy, and incredibly satisfying. The filling itself is a breeze—just slice up four apples (the trickiest part!) and toss them with flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
Want to customize the thickness of your bars? Use a 9×9 pan for thicker, bakery-style squares, or go with a 9×13 pan for thinner bars like the ones pictured. No matter which size you choose, these bars are always a hit—warm, fragrant, and full of fall flavor.
You can serve them warm straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert, or let them cool and drizzle with a sweet, creamy glaze for a polished finish. Either way, they’re a crowd-pleaser that tastes like autumn in every bite.
Ingredients for Apple Pie Bars
- FLOUR
- SUGAR
- BAKING POWDER
- SALT
- BUTTER
- EGG
- CINNAMON
- APPLES
- POWDERED SUGAR
- ALMOND EXTRACT
- CREAM
- MILK
Instructions for Apple Pie Bars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender (or your fingertips) to cut it in until it forms pea-sized crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg until the dough comes together.
Spray a 9×9-inch pan for thicker bars or a 9×13-inch pan for thinner bars with nonstick cooking spray. Press two-thirds of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Set aside the remaining one-third for the topping.
Make the Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine all the filling ingredients and mix until the apples are well coated. Spread the apple mixture in an even layer over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the top.
Bake for 40 minutes if using a 9×13 pan or 50 minutes for a 9×9 pan, until the top is lightly golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Add the Glaze:
Once cool, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to reach a drizzle-friendly consistency. Pipe or spoon the glaze over the bars, let it set, and slice into 9–12 squares. Serve as-is or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra fall coziness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes! If you’re short on time, a can of apple pie filling works well. Just spread it over the crust as you would the homemade filling.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape and balance the sweetness beautifully.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars keep well for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them (without glaze) for up to 2 months.
Do I have to use a pastry blender for the crust?
Nope! You can use a fork, your fingers, or even pulse the mixture in a food processor until you get pea-sized crumbs.
Can I skip the glaze?
Definitely, these bars are delicious on their own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Apple Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- Instant Pot Apple Pie Filling
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Easy Apple Fritters
Apple Pie Bars
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup butter softened (You need the real deal here)
- 1 egg beaten
Filling:
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 4 cups sliced apples I used 4 gala apples
Glaze:
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 3 Tbsp cream
- splash of milk if needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- For the crust: add the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder to a bowl and mix. Then add in butter and cut in with a pastry blender until you have pea sized crumbs.
- Mix in the beaten egg until combined.
- Spray a 9 x 9 or 9 x 13 inch pan (depending on the thickness you want) with non-stick cooking spray. Press 2/3 of the crust mixture into the bottom of the dish, set aside the remaining crust mixture.
- In a bowl, combine all of the filling ingredients together until well combined. Spread filling mixture over the pressed crust. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 crust mixture over the apples.
- Bake for 40 minutes for the 9 x 13 pan or 50 minutes for the 9 x 9 pan. Then allow to cool.
- Once cool, combine the the glaze ingredients together in a bowl. If needed add a splash of milk to thin if too thick. Pipe frosting over the cooled bars to make a nice drizzle. Allow frosting to set and serve. Makes 9 – 12 bars.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Our Best Bites.
