There’s something magical about the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. These Apple Pie Bars capture all the comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie but in a convenient, hand-held form that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next gathering or simply craving something sweet to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars deliver that classic apple pie experience without the fuss of making a full pie. The buttery shortbread base, tender spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping create the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This
- Easier than making a traditional pie – no rolling out pie crust or crimping edges!
- Perfect for portion control with pre-cut bars that are easy to serve
- Make-ahead friendly – actually taste better the next day as flavors meld
- Portable dessert option for potlucks, picnics, or lunchboxes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups peeled & diced apples
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13″ baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a food processor, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cold cubed butter, egg, and vanilla. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a pastry cutter or two forks.
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
- Bake the crust for 12 minutes until just beginning to set and very lightly golden. Remove from oven but keep the oven on.
- While the crust bakes, in a large bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough mixture evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment paper and cutting into squares. For clean cuts, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the apple filling
- Try mixing apple varieties for more complex flavor – combine tart Granny Smith with sweeter Honeycrisp or Gala apples
- Make them gluten-free by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats
- For a caramel apple version, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving
- To save time, you can use pre-made shortbread cookie dough for the base
- For best results, slice the apples to an even thickness so they cook uniformly
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Pie Bars are delicious on their own, but they reach new heights when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm, spiced apples and cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely divine.
For a special brunch offering, serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, alongside a hot cup of coffee or apple cider. They also pair beautifully with a sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-savory combination that’s popular in many apple-growing regions.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days
- These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – wrap individually in plastic wrap, then foil
- The bars are done when the filling bubbles at the edges and the topping is golden brown
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for the cleanest slices
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars actually taste better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Make them up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container.
What’s the best type of apple to use?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their shape when baked and provide a tart contrast to the sweet crust and topping. However, you can use any firm baking apple or a combination of varieties.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes, so watch carefully.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The topping should be golden brown, and you’ll see the apple filling bubbling around the edges. If you insert a knife into the center, the apples should feel tender.
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