Introduction

Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spiced apple filling nestled between a buttery, crumbly crust. These bars make a convenient and tasty treat that’s easy to share or enjoy any time.

The image shows a close-up of a square piece of crumb cake with three visible layers on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, light golden brown crust with a firm texture. The middle layer is a slightly darker, softer filling with a cinnamon color and smooth texture. The top layer is a crumbly, pale beige streusel topping with a rough, uneven texture, giving a crunchy look. In the background, a blurred orange apple is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Apple Filling:

550 g (4½ cups / 4 medium) chopped cubed apples
30 g (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar
25 g (2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon) all-purpose flour* (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Crust & Crumbles:

280 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour (dip and sweep method)**
185 g (¾ cup + 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
105 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square oven-proof dish and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of overhang on each side.
Step 2: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour (or cornstarch), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, and sugar for the crust. Add the cold, cubed butter and cover with the flour mixture to make it easier to cut the butter in. Use two forks, a pastry blender, or rub with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Spread two-thirds of the crust mixture evenly into the prepared dish using a lightly floured spoon or your hand. Press gently to form a base layer.
Step 5: Spoon the apple filling evenly over the crust.
Step 6: Sprinkle or press the remaining one-third of the crust mixture over the apples, making some larger crumbly pieces by squeezing the dough with your hands.
Step 7: Bake for about 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the crumbles are crunchy.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing. Cooling at room temperature for 1 to 1½ hours is ideal. To cool faster, you can place the bars in the freezer once slightly cooled. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift out the bars before cutting into 16 pieces.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour in the filling and crust with a gluten-free baking blend.
If you prefer a thicker filling, use cornstarch instead of flour, which gives a cleaner, less dense texture.
Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra texture and flavor.
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to balance the flavor—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together.

Storage

Store the apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave to enjoy them warm.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a square piece of crumbly oat topping dessert with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown, dense, and firm crust; the middle layer is a darker, juicy fruit filling with a slightly glossy texture; and the top layer consists of a crumbly, light tan oat mixture with uneven clumps. A peach with a smooth orange and red skin is blurry in the background on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is holding the dessert from the left side. The lighting is soft, highlighting the textures and colors of the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen apples to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. Apple pie bars are great for making ahead. Just bake, cool completely, and store as directed. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.