Apple Pie Bars

Nothing says fall quite like the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie, and these Apple Pie Bars are the perfect way to enjoy the classic dessert. These simple, hand-held treats boast layers of buttery crust, tender spiced apples and a crumbly topping. Whether for a cozy dessert or a holiday gathering, these bars capture the essence of apple pie in every bite!

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Apple Pie Bars Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen — it’s a true sign that fall has arrived.

These Apple Pie Bars are a favorite in my family, especially as the weather cools and we’re all craving cozy, comforting treats. With a buttery crust, tender spiced apple filling, and a crumbly oat topping, they have all the familiar flavors of apple pie without the hassle of rolling dough.

I love making these for family gatherings or even just for an easy weeknight dessert, as they’re simple to whip up and serve. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they’re the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie in a fun, hand-held form.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You'll love this easy fall dessert recipe, for a few major reasons:

• They're so easy to make! No pie crust rolling required — just layer, bake and enjoy!
• Perfectly portable, these bars are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for gatherings or on-the-go treats.
• With warm spices, buttery crumble, and juicy apples, they are everything we love about apple pie in a simple treat.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. Here's what to grab at the grocery store:

• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Rolled oats
• Granny Smith apples
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla
• Butter

Substitutions & Variations

Apple swaps: Paired with the sweet brown sugar and vanilla, tart Granny Smith apples are the perfect match for a balanced flavor. You can use red apples, though, or try a mix of red and green apples.

Gluten-free apple pie bars: You can use a gluten-free 1:1 flour substitute, such as King Arthur Measure for Measure Flour, to make this recipe without gluten.

How to Make Apple Pie Bars

Let's make this delicious apple pie bar recipe! It's super simple and delicious:

First, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Prep apples by coring, peeling and then cutting into ½ inch pieces. 

Next, make the crust. Mix together flour and sugar in a bowl. Using a pastry dough cutter or two forks, "cut" cold butter into flour mixture, until beads of butter are throughout the mixture

Lightly press the dough into the parchment paper lined pan to form crust. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. 

While those bake, get the apple filling ready. Toss the cut apples in flour, sugar, cornstarch and vanilla extract until coated evenly. 

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a frying pan over medium heat and cook down apples until softened. After the crust has baked for 10 minutes, add apple filling on top of the crust.

Then make the topping. Add flour, brown sugar and oats to a mixing bowl. Pour melted butter over flour, brown sugar and oats and stir to combine using a fork. Break up larger chunks into small "pebbles" of oat mixture.

Then prepare your oat topping. Pour the oat mixture on top of the apple filling in the pan. Bake for an additional 30 minutes until oat topping is golden brown. 

Remove bars from baking pan by lifting the parchment paper out. Once cooled use a sharp knife on a cutting bar to evenly cut bars into 16 equal slices. 

Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for making this recipe:

• Add extra warmth: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the apple filling for even cozier fall flavors.
• Prevent sticking: Leave a little parchment paper overhang on the sides of the pan for easy removal once cooled.
• Make them your own: Customize the topping by adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your apple pie bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bit of whipped cream. (Or even coconut whipped cream if you need a dairy-free option.)

It's the perfect dessert for fall parties, from tailgates to Thanksgiving. Enjoy it after a turkey dinner with mashed potatoes and green bean casserole.

FAQ

More fall desserts

• Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
• No Bake Buckeye Bars
• M&M Cookie Bars