Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Apple pie bars offer all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in an easy-to-serve bar form. With a buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are perfect for sharing at any occasion.

Ingredients

• 8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 1 tsp. cinnamon (for filling)
• 3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature (for crust)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for crust)
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (for crust)
• Pinch of salt (for crust)
• 3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats, for streusel)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed (for streusel)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
2. Step 2: Prepare the crust. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a mixer or by hand.
3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
5. Step 5: Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared pan. Spread it evenly and press it down firmly, making sure to press the edges down as well.
6. Step 6: Bake the crust for 15 minutes until set but not browned. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
7. Step 7: While the crust bakes, prepare the apple filling by mixing the sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
8. Step 8: Prepare the streusel topping. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
9. Step 9: Cut the cold cubed butter into the dry streusel mixture using your hands or a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
10. Step 10: Spread the apple filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer, pressing down lightly to help it adhere.
12. Step 12: Bake the assembled bars for 45 minutes at 350°F until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
13. Step 13: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji for a balanced flavor and texture.
• To add a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel topping before baking.
• For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the apple filling.
• Make sure the butter for the streusel is very cold to create the perfect crumbly texture.

Storage

Store apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to enjoy warm bars.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Frozen apples can be used in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the crust soggy.

How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Baking the crust partially before adding the filling helps set it and prevents sogginess. Also, make sure the apple filling isn’t overly wet by tossing the apples with enough flour to absorb excess juice.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

Deliciously moist and flavorful Apple Pie Bars featuring a buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars combine classic apple pie flavors in an easy-to-make, portable form.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling

• 8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Crust

• 3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• Pinch salt

Streusel Topping

• 3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use a mixer or beat by hand for about 2-3 minutes.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a separate small bowl, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
4. Mix Crust Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until fully combined into a dough.
5. Press Crust Into Pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and spread evenly, pressing firmly to cover the bottom and edges.
6. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes, then remove and let it slightly cool.
7. Prepare Apple Filling: While the crust bakes, mix the sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl until well coated.
8. Make Streusel Topping: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter with your hands or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Assemble Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
10. Add Streusel: Sprinkle the oat streusel topping evenly over the apples, pressing down lightly to help it adhere.
11. Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
12. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
• Ensure butter for the crust is softened, while butter for streusel topping is cold for best texture.
• Line the pan with parchment paper with overhang for easier removal of bars.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• These bars can be served warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Keywords: apple pie bars, apple bars, dessert bars, apple dessert, streusel topping, easy apple dessert, fall desserts