Apple Pie Bars

When crisp autumn breezes make their way through the kitchen window, you know it’s time to embrace all the cozy comforts of the season—and nothing says cozy like a pan of freshly baked apple pie bars. These treats blend that nostalgic apple pie flavor into a portable, easy-to-share format that’s perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or quiet evenings curled up on the couch. You’ll find layers of flaky, buttery crust sandwiching tender apple slices, dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg, then finished with a sprinkle of coarse sugar that sparkles like fall leaves. Every bite offers that delightful balance of sweet and gently tart, with warming spices dancing on your tongue and a hint of vanilla tying it all together.

I remember the first time I made these bars for a small family reunion. The recipe was beginner-friendly, so I felt confident even though I was still mastering pie crust. By the time they popped out of the oven, the kitchen was alive with chatter and compliments. My nephew showed up early just to snag a warm slice slathered with melting butter, and my best friend insisted she could taste every single spice I stirred into the filling. Friends kept sneaking extra pieces, and I knew I had discovered a forever favorite to make year after year.

What’s great is how approachable this recipe really is. You’ll spend only about 30 minutes on prep, then pop it in the oven for around 40 minutes, followed by a 30-minute rest—perfect for multitasking or sipping coffee while you wait. With just 250 calories per bar and endless variation options—subbing in pears or berries, or even adding a drizzle of homemade caramel—you’ll never tire of exploring new flavors with this simple yet show-stopping dessert. It’s hands-down one of the best fall recipes I’ve ever shared, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE PIE BARS

Every ingredient in these apple pie bars plays a vital role, from creating the perfect flaky crust to delivering the ideal balance of sweet and tart in the filling. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component matters:

• All-purpose flour

The foundation of your crust. It provides structure and a tender crumb that holds the bars together without becoming tough.

• Salt

A small pinch goes a long way in enhancing the natural flavors of the dough and the spiced apple filling.

• Unsalted butter

Cold, cubed butter creates those signature flaky layers when cut into the flour. It lends richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Ice water

Helps bind the dough without warming the butter. Keeps everything cool for that light, airy crust.

• Apples

Peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, they form the star of the filling. A mix of sweet and tart varieties gives depth and complexity.

• Lemon juice

Adds brightness and prevents the apple slices from browning as you prep.

• Granulated sugar

Sweetens the filling and helps macerate the fruit for a tender bite.

• Brown sugar

Contributes a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the filling moist.

• Ground cinnamon

Delivers that classic warm spice note that pairs perfectly with apples.

• Ground nutmeg

Adds a subtle earthy warmth to round out the spice profile.

• Cornstarch

Thickens the juices released by the apples, ensuring the bars aren’t runny.

• Vanilla extract

Enhances all the other flavors with its sweet, floral undertones.

• Egg (beaten)

Creates a glossy, golden top crust when brushed on before baking.

• Coarse sugar

An optional final touch that adds sparkle and crunch to the finished bars.

HOW TO MAKE APPLE PIE BARS

Let’s walk through the step-by-step process so you can confidently assemble these apple pie bars from scratch. From mixing the dough to filling, sealing, and baking, each stage is straightforward and beginner-friendly, ensuring every slice comes out golden and delicious.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Ensuring the pan is well-oiled prevents sticking and helps the bars release cleanly after baking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.

3. Add ice water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the crust tender and flaky. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

4. In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Let the mixture rest so the flavors meld and the fruit begins to release its juices.

5. Divide the chilled dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half to fit the bottom of the prepared pan. Press it gently into place to form an even layer.

6. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust, making sure to leave a small border around the edges.

7. Roll out the remaining dough and lay it over the apples. Trim any excess and crimp the edges to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut several slits in the top crust for steam to escape.

8. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sparkling, golden finish.

9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust turns a deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling at the slits.

10. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting period helps the filling set for clean, uniform bars.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE PIE BARS

Presentation and pairings can elevate these apple pie bars from delightful to unforgettable. Whether you’re creating a dessert buffet or serving cozy family snacks, a few thoughtful touches bring out the best flavors and textures in each square.

• Serve each warm bar with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The hot-and-cold contrast accentuates the tender apple filling and flaky crust, turning every bite into a decadent experience.
• Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top for extra richness. The silky caramel highlights the brown sugar notes in the filling and adds an indulgent layer of sweetness.
• Dust cooled bars lightly with powdered sugar and add a dollop of whipped cream flavored with a pinch of cinnamon. This adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, spice-infused apples.
• Pair individual squares with a steaming cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. The warm spices in your drink will harmonize beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the bars, making each mouthful extra comforting.

HOW TO STORE APPLE PIE BARS

Whether you’re planning ahead for a gathering or want to enjoy these apple pie bars throughout the week, proper storage will keep them tasting just-baked. From countertop tips to freezer-friendly methods, here’s how to preserve their flaky crust and tender filling.

• Room Temperature: Store bars in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days. Place layers between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Refrigerator: Once cooled, transfer bars to a resealable container or wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to five days. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm briefly in the oven to revive the crisp crust.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars or the entire tray in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat at 300°F for 10–15 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.
• Reheating: For best results, place bars on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Alternatively, microwave a single bar for 15–20 seconds. This step brings back flakiness and warms the spiced filling.

CONCLUSION

From gathering the simple ingredients to pulling golden, bubble-topped bars from the oven, this recipe for Irresistibly Sweet Apple Pie Bars Perfect for Any Gathering offers a delightful twist on a classic dessert. We broke down the key ingredients—from all-purpose flour and unsalted butter to crisp apples and warming spices—so you know exactly how each component contributes to flakiness, flavor, and structure. Then we walked through clear, beginner-friendly steps for mixing, chilling, assembling, and baking, ensuring you spend about 30 minutes on prep, 40 minutes in the oven, and 30 minutes resting before slicing 9×13-inches of deliciousness. We explored serving suggestions like creamy ice cream, caramel drizzles, and cozy beverage pairings, plus storage methods to keep your bars fresh for days or freeze them for weeks. Feel free to print this article and save it for later use—you can also find a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions before you start baking.

I love hearing about your kitchen adventures, so please share comments, questions, or feedback if you give this recipe a try. Did you experiment with different apple varieties or switch in seasonal fruits like pears or berries? Maybe you discovered a new favorite topping or had a trick for rolling out the dough faster. If anything didn’t go exactly as planned—whether it’s a crumbly crust or an overflowing filling—let me know and I’ll help troubleshoot. Your stories inspire other home cooks and spark fresh ideas for presenting, pairing, and customizing these bars. Thank you for reading and being part of this baking community. I can’t wait to hear how your own apple pie bars turn out!

Print Recipe

Apple Pie Bars

Author: Annie Delgado Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr 40 mins

Calories: 250

Description

These scrumptious apple pie bars combine flaky crust and spiced apple filling, offering a delicious twist on a classic dessert that's easy to share and savor.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ¹⁄₃ cup ice water

• 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar

• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and mix with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
5. Divide the chilled dough in half. Roll out one half on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Press gently into place.
6. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust.
7. Roll out the remaining dough and lay over the apples. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut several slits in the top for steam to escape.
8. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sparkling finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
10. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.

Note

• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For an extra touch, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
• Substitute other seasonal fruits like pears or berries for a variation.
• Use a mix of apple varieties for a balance of sweetness and tartness.

Keywords: apple pie bars, dessert bars, easy dessert, fall recipes, baking, apple desserts