If you’ve ever wished you could capture the warm, comforting taste of classic apple pie in a handy, sliceable treat, then this Apple Pie Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with tender apple slices spiced perfectly with cinnamon and nutmeg, all nestled on a buttery, golden crust and topped with a crisp, oat streusel, these bars offer all the cozy flavors of autumn in every delightful bite. They’re simple to make, wonderfully versatile, and absolutely irresistible whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or savoring one with your afternoon tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apple Pie Bars Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, creating a delicious balance between soft apple filling and a wonderfully crumbly topping.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and a tender, buttery crust that melts in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note that ties the ingredients together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for both crust and streusel, holding everything together with just the right texture.
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced: The star of the dish, bringing juicy sweetness and a tender bite.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Mixed with apples to add sweetness and help draw out natural juices.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the apple filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the bars with a classic spicy warmth that elevates the fruit.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of nutmeg gives a sophisticated, cozy depth to the spice mix.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple filling so it’s not too runny.
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats: Gives the streusel a lovely rustic texture and a hint of nuttiness.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the streusel with molasses undertones, enhancing the crumbly topping.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the streusel topping so it crisps up perfectly.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the streusel ingredients for a crumbly finish that’s full of buttery goodness.
How to Make Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature for your crust and topping to cook evenly. Next, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, which makes lifting the bars out a breeze and keeps your pan clean.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan, creating a solid base. Bake this crust for about 15 minutes or until it’s just turning golden — this step ensures a crispy, slightly firm base to hold all the delicious toppings we’ll add next.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the crust is baking, peel and thinly slice your apples for even cooking. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with both granulated and brown sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tablespoon of flour. These spices and sugars coat the apples, enhancing their natural sweetness and ensuring each bite bursts with that classic apple pie flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Apples
Once the crust has cooled slightly, carefully spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the crust. Distributing the apples in a single even layer helps everything bake uniformly and keeps the topping from becoming soggy.
Step 5: Create and Add the Streusel Topping
In a smaller bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and flour. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. This streusel topping will add a crunchy, sweet contrast to the soft apples and buttery crust. Sprinkle it generously and evenly over the apple layer to create that irresistible golden finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender when poked with a fork, and the streusel topping is beautifully golden and crisp. Let the bars cool completely in the pan; this step is key to letting them set properly so they cut cleanly into bars.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet lovely touch, dust your Apple Pie Bars with powdered sugar or drizzle a warm caramel sauce on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced apples.
Side Dishes
These bars are a delightful dessert on their own but can really shine when served alongside a fresh cup of spiced chai tea or a robust coffee. For brunch or a snack, try them with a side of sharp cheddar cheese — the savory sharpness contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, cut the Apple Pie Bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks as decoration. You can even serve them in small dessert cups layered with whipped cream for a fun twist that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them fresh and moist. Beyond that, they will last about 4-5 days in the fridge, where the flavors even deepen beautifully.
Freezing
Apple Pie Bars freeze wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or when you want to stash away a sweet treat. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy your Apple Pie Bars warm, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the whole batch in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will revive the crispness of the streusel and bring out all those cozy apple aromas.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Pie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work great for balancing sweetness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor. Just be sure to slice them evenly for consistent baking.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats to keep the streusel safe for those with gluten sensitivities. The texture might vary slightly, but the wonderful flavors will still shine through.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
You can assemble the bars up to the streusel topping stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This is a great way to save time on busy days or prepare for guests.
How do I ensure the crust stays crisp and not soggy?
Baking the crust before adding the apple filling is essential. It creates a barrier that helps prevent the juices from soaking through and keeps that delightful crisp texture that makes this Apple Pie Bars Recipe so special.
What’s the best way to cut these bars without crumbling?
Make sure the bars have fully cooled before cutting. Use a sharp knife, and for neat slices, wipe the knife clean between cuts. This will help you get perfect, clean bars every time.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pie Bars are a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dessert that brilliantly combines simplicity with classic flavors. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Apple Pie Bars Recipe invites you to create a cozy treat that’s easy to share and hard to resist. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this delicious, comforting favorite a part of your kitchen repertoire!
Print
Apple Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping for a delightful twist on classic apple pie. Perfect for serving as a dessert or snack, they bake to golden perfection in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Apple Filling
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
- Make and bake the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the 2 cups of all-purpose flour until fully combined to form a dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon flour. This mixture helps thicken the filling and adds sweetness and spice.
- Layer apple filling: Evenly spread the apple mixture over the partially baked crust, ensuring an even layer of fruit.
- Make streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup flour. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the streusel topping is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 12 bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to peel and thinly slice the apples for even cooking.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set properly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can add chopped nuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch if desired.
