Craving the warm, cinnamon-kissed comfort of apple pie without all the fuss? Look no further than Apple Pie Bars—a simplified, sliceable twist on the traditional dessert. These bars offer all the flavor of a homemade apple pie wrapped in a buttery shortbread crust, topped with golden streusel, and optionally drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Whether you’re preparing a treat for the holidays, a casual potluck, or simply indulging in a seasonal craving, this recipe is your go-to autumn dessert—made easy, shareable, and unbelievably delicious.
🍏 Why Apple Pie Bars Are the Ultimate Dessert Upgrade
There’s a reason these bars have become a kitchen favorite. They strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and simplicity.
✨ Benefits at a Glance:
- No pie crust rolling—save time and effort.
- Crowd-pleasing format—ideal for gatherings.
- Customizable with nuts, caramel, or glaze.
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead ease.
- Portable and mess-free—great for lunches or lunchboxes.
🧑‍🍳 What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?
This isn’t just any apple dessert—it’s a thoughtfully layered treat that nails texture and taste:
- Buttery shortbread base that holds together without crumbling.
- Warm, spiced apple filling packed with juicy flavor.
- Crispy, cinnamon-infused streusel topping that adds crunch and richness.
- Optional glaze for a bakery-style finish.
Every bite delivers that classic apple pie flavor—but with a modern twist that’s easier, faster, and more forgiving for beginner bakers.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (With Tips)
🔹 Shortbread Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Cold butter is crucial for a crisp base.
- ½ cup powdered sugar – Creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¼ tsp salt – Balances sweetness.
🔹 Apple Filling
- 4 cups thinly sliced apples – Choose a mix for depth of flavor.
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ÂĽ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ÂĽ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – Helps thicken the filling naturally.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Prevents browning and brightens flavor.
🔹 Streusel Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
🔹 Optional Vanilla Glaze
- Âľ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
🍽️ Best Apples to Use (Mix and Match for Flavor)
Choosing the right apples is key. We recommend combining varieties for complexity:
| Apple Type | Flavor Profile | Baking Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith | Tart and firm | Holds shape beautifully |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet and crisp | Juicy and aromatic |
| Braeburn | Mildly tart and spicy | Balanced texture |
| Fuji | Very sweet and soft | Adds moisture |
🔧 Equipment Checklist
- 9Ă—13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of your pan.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Apple Filling
While the crust bakes, toss your apple slices with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
Pro Tip: Let the apples sit for 10 minutes to release natural juices, then mix again before layering.
3. Spread the Filling Over Crust
Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the pre-baked crust. Spread to the edges for uniform baking.
4. Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a clean bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
Tip: Use your fingers to create clumps for a bakery-style crumb texture.
5. Bake the Bars
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and the apples are soft.
6. Cool, Slice & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this allows them to firm up and slice cleanly.
If using the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.
🧊 Storage & Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerated: Lasts up to a week chilled.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
🌟 Pro Tips for Success
- Use cold butter for a flakier base.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it prevents soggy bars.
- Cool completely before slicing for the cleanest edges.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert-worthy indulgence!
🍯 Creative Variations
Try these fun spins on the classic apple pie bars:
🔸 Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Drizzle with warm caramel sauce after baking for a rich twist.
🔸 Nutty Apple Bars
Stir ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel mix.
🔸 Maple Glazed Bars
Replace vanilla glaze with maple syrup + powdered sugar glaze.
🔸 Spiced Autumn Bars
Add ÂĽ tsp ground cloves and a pinch of allspice to your filling.
🔸 Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
âś… Can I use canned pie filling?
You can, but fresh apples give better texture and control over sweetness.
âś… How do I make the bars less sweet?
Cut back the sugar in the filling by ÂĽ cup or use tart apples like Granny Smith.
âś… Can I make them vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter and a non-dairy milk for the glaze.
âś… What if my crust crumbles?
Make sure you press the crust firmly into the pan before baking.
âś… Can I prep these bars in advance?
Absolutely. You can make them a day ahead and store in the fridge.
âś… Can I reheat them?
Warm them in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
âś… Can I add raisins or cranberries?
Yes—add up to ½ cup dried fruit to the apple mixture before layering.
✅ What’s the best way to cut neat slices?
Use a sharp knife, and clean it between cuts for smooth edges.
📝 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Apple Pie Bars are everything you love about a homemade pie—but easier, quicker, and even more versatile. From fall parties to holiday feasts, these bars deliver cozy flavor without the time-consuming prep. You’ll love the combination of buttery base, sweet-tart filling, and spiced crumb topping—all in one easy-to-hold square.
They’re freezer-friendly, customizable, and always a hit. Once you try them, you might just say goodbye to traditional apple pie for good.
