These apple pie bars are one of my favorite Fall treats. They have a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet apple filling with a melt-in-your-mouth streusel topping. The textures and flavors are addictive, and this recipe is so easy to make!
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My Take On Apple Pie Bars
I've been on a bit of an apple kick lately, making recipes like these apple pancakes and these cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling. So I had to add some apple pie bars to the list.
I know I'm biased, but this recipe might make the best apple pie bars ever! The sweet, caramelized apple pie filling is layered between a buttery crust and a crisp and crumbly streusel topping.
How delicious does that sound?!
I'll be honest, as much as I love traditional apple pie, I think I prefer these homemade apple pie bars instead, and my wife agrees! It's safe to say we'll be making this recipe all year round, not just around the Fall and Thanksgiving.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
They're easy to make. All you have to do is mix the filling, mix the crust, then layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven take it from there. It's so much easier to make than regular apple pies!
Versatile. These apple pie bars have the perfect amount of sweetness and delicate apple flavor, making them an easy grab-and-go breakfast bar, a snack, or a sweet treat. The options are endless!
Three layers. The bottom crust is topped with a layer of cinnamon apples, and that's topped with a shortbread streusel crumble. There's a whole lot to love about this dessert!
Ingredients
Another reason I'm obsessed with this apple pie bars recipe is it's made with mostly pantry staples that I tend to have on hand. Honestly, I'm willing to bet you have most of them too!
Here's everything you'll need:
- 4 medium apples, chopped
- 2 tbsps. brown sugar
- 2 tbsps. all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps. lemon juice
- 1½ tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. nutmeg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
If you have any extra apples, you can use them to make these crescent roll apple turnovers. They're another one of my favorite twists on classic apple pie, so you'll want to give them a try next!
How To Make Apple Pie Bars
1. Prep work: Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
2. Make the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the cold butter and mix it in with your fingertips. The pie dough will have a more grainy, crumbly texture.
4. Assemble the apple pie bars: Spread ⅔ of the flour mixture into the prepared pan and press it into the bottom. Pour the apple mixture evenly over the dough. Cover the apples with the remaining ⅓ of the flour mixture.
5. Bake and serve: Bake the apple pie bars for 50 minutes until the top becomes golden brown and the crumbles are crisp. Let the apple pie bars cool completely before carefully removing them from the prepared baking pan. Once they're cool, slice into about 16 squares and serve. Enjoy!
My Tips For Making The Best Recipe
- Use apple pie spice if you don't have cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Some of my favorite apples to use for these layered apple bars are Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn apples.
- Swap the fresh apple slices for apple pie filling for a more convenient recipe.
- Serve the apple pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for the best dessert bars ever.
How I Recommend Storing Apple Pie Bars
At room temperature: Transfer leftover apple pie bars to an airtight container and store them on the counter for up to 2 days.
In the fridge: For maximum freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
In the freezer: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. I like to wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap first. Stored this way, they should last for up to 3 months.
More of My Favorite Apple Recipes To Try
- Fried apples
- Apple dump cake
- Apple compote
- Apple puff pastry
- Baked apple slices
- My Grandma's old fashioned apple pie
- Baked apple French toast casserole
Apple Pie Bars
These apple pie bars are one of my favorite Fall treats. They have a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet apple filling with a melt-in-your-mouth streusel topping. The textures and flavors are addictive, and this recipe is so easy to make!
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, chopped
- 2 tbsps. brown sugar
- 2 tbsps. all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps. lemon juice
- 1½ tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. nutmeg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 340°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
- Toss the chopped apples in a bowl with lemon juice, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine the sugar, flour, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a separate bowl. Add the cold butter and mix with your fingertips till combined and crumbly.
- Spread ⅔ of the flour mixture into the baking dish.
- Add the apple mixture over the dough.
- Cover the apples with the remaining ⅓ flour mixture.
- Bake for 50 minutes until the top becomes golden brown and the crumbles are crisp. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 squareAmount Per Serving: Calories: 211Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g
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