Easy Apple Pie Bars Recipe: A Cozy Dessert Classic Made Simple

Introduction

If you’re craving the nostalgic flavors of homemade apple pie but don’t want the fuss of rolling out pie crusts, Apple Pie Bars are your new go-to dessert. With a buttery shortbread crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping, these bars deliver all the comfort of a traditional pie in a portable, easy-to-make form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want a cozy treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Bars

• No-fuss crust – Skip the pie dough! The shortbread crust is quick, easy, and foolproof.

• Perfect for sharing – Sliceable and stackable, these bars are great for potlucks, bake sales, or dessert trays.

• All the flavor of apple pie – Classic warm spices, sweet apples, and rich buttery layers.

• Freezer-friendly – Make a batch ahead and freeze for later indulgence.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Bars

For the crust and crumble topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp salt

For the apple filling:

• 4–5 cups apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thin — Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugars, vanilla, flour, and salt until crumbly. Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of your baking dish to form the crust. Reserve the remaining 1/3 for the topping.

2. Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until evenly coated.

3. Assemble the Bars

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the top.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbly. Let cool completely before slicing.

Expert Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bars

• Cut when cool – Let the bars cool for clean slices and better texture.

• Double the spice – Add clove or allspice for a deeper fall flavor.

• Top with glaze – A simple vanilla glaze or caramel drizzle adds an extra touch of decadence.

Storage and Freezing

Store Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze bars individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or enjoy them chilled.

Variations You’ll Want to Try

• Apple Crumble Bars – Add oats to the topping for a streusel-like texture.

• Salted Caramel Apple Bars – Drizzle warm salted caramel over the bars before serving.

• Gluten-Free Version – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Pie Bars are a must-bake for any dessert lover. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for the holiday table. Best of all, they capture the essence of apple pie with half the effort. Add this recipe to your favorites and prepare for rave reviews.