If you love the comforting flavors of a classic dessert but want something easy to share and serve, this Apple Pie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples layered over a buttery crust, all topped with a crunchy oat streusel that delivers the perfect balance of sweet and textured bites. These bars are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion where you want the warm, nostalgic taste of apple pie without the fuss of slicing and peeling a whole pie—just pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing this Apple Pie Bars Recipe to life. From the flaky crust to the juicy apple filling and crumbly topping, every element works together to create the perfect harmony of flavor and texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and a tender, buttery base that holds the bars together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate crust texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The essential structure for the crust and topping, ensuring a balanced bite.
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced: The star of the show, offering fresh, juicy, and slightly tart layers.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling just right without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a classic, warm spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that adds complexity and depth to the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple filling so it holds together nicely.
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats: Gives a lovely, toasty crunch to the streusel topping.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the topping for that irresistible golden finish.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Adds body to the crumble topping for a perfect texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the oat topping together and adds rich flavor.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and fragrant. Next, gradually mix in the flour until the dough forms a cohesive mass. Press this mixture evenly into the pan, creating a uniform crust layer. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust turns a light golden color, which forms the sturdy yet tender base for your bars. Once baked, set it aside to cool slightly, so the filling doesn’t make it soggy.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the crust is cooling, get the filling ready by tossing the thinly sliced apples in a large bowl with both granulated and brown sugars. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tablespoon of flour; these spices and flour not only enhance flavor but also help thicken the juices released during baking. This mixture will bring that unmistakable apple pie warmth to your bars and keeps the filling luscious but not watery, covering the crust evenly once layered.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the baked crust, ensuring every bite includes generous apple slices. Now it’s time for the crowning glory—the crumbly streusel topping. In a small bowl, stir together the oats, brown sugar, and flour before adding the melted butter. Mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel will bake into a golden, crunchy finish, offering a delightful contrast to the soft apples beneath. Sprinkle this topping evenly on the apples, covering every corner for maximum deliciousness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Return your assembled pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The apples should become tender and the topping golden brown, signaling that the bars are perfectly baked. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares, because the filling needs time to set, making every bar neat and easy to handle. This patience rewards you with a slice that’s firm enough to hold yet yields that soft, flavorful apple center.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these apple pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience, adding creamy coolness that contrasts wonderfully with the spiced warmth of the dessert. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, delicate touch that makes these bars look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Apple Pie Bars Recipe with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk can round out your dessert time beautifully. For brunch or afternoon tea, complement with a simple green salad or a cheese platter to balance the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these apple pie bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming presentation. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange on a festive platter for parties or potlucks, garnished with chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week; this also helps the flavors meld beautifully, making leftovers taste even better.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Warm your bars gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh their freshly baked texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the crust can become soggy. Reheating brings back that heavenly aroma and makes each bite feel just baked.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Pie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor and texture. Just be sure to peel and slice them thinly for even cooking.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Just ensure your oat choice is certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I prepare these bars ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! This Apple Pie Bars Recipe is perfect for make-ahead occasions. You can bake them a day before and store them covered at room temperature or in the fridge. They taste fantastic even after resting.
What can I use instead of old-fashioned oats in the streusel topping?
If you don’t have oats, finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans also work well, adding crunch and richness to the topping without losing that comforting texture.
How do I ensure the bars don’t get soggy?
Make sure to bake the crust until lightly golden and toss the apples thoroughly with flour before layering. This helps absorb excess moisture. Also, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to let the filling set.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Apple Pie Bars Recipe because it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether you’re an apple pie veteran or new to baking, these bars are simple, delicious, and bursting with flavor. Whip up a batch and share with friends or family—you’ll be making memories one scrumptious bite at a time!
Print
Apple Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a spiced apple filling and a crunchy oat streusel topping. Perfect for an easy dessert that captures the classic flavors of apple pie in convenient, sliceable bars.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
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
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
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the bars can be lifted out easily after baking.
- Make and bake crust: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour until the mixture forms a dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of flour. This coating will thicken the filling and add spice. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Make streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, and flour. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake the bars: Place the assembled pan back into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The apples should become tender, and the topping should be golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 12 bars and serve. Enjoy the delicious apple pie flavors in every bite!
Notes
- Use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
- You can add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving.
