Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Apple Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie in an easy-to-serve bar form. With a tender buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crumbly oat streusel topping, they make a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for filling)
• 3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature (for crust)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for crust)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for crust)
• Pinch salt (for crust)
• 3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats) (for streusel)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed (for streusel)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
2. Step 2: Prepare the crust by beating 3/4 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a mixer or by hand.
3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until combined.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly and pressing firmly to ensure the edges are pressed down as well.
6. Step 6: Bake the crust for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
7. Step 7: While the crust bakes, prepare the apple filling by stirring together 8 cups sliced apples, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
8. Step 8: To make the streusel topping, combine 3/4 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
9. Step 9: Cut in 1/2 cup cold cubed butter with your hands or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
10. Step 10: Spread the apple filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples and press down lightly.
12. Step 12: Bake for an additional 45 minutes at 350°F until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
13. Step 13: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a more balanced flavor and texture.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the apple filling.
• Chill the crust dough before pressing it into the pan for a firmer base.
• Swap rolled oats for quick oats or vice versa according to your preference for texture in the streusel topping.

Storage

Store the apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual bars in a microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in a low oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, frozen apples can be used but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to avoid a soggy filling.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make gluten-free apple pie bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free oats for the streusel topping.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 137 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Apple Pie Bars featuring a buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping. Perfect for a comforting dessert or snack that combines the classic flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling

• 8 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Crust

• 3/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch salt

Streusel Topping

• 3/4 cup rolled oats (quick oats)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or whisk by hand for this step.
3. Combine dry crust ingredients: In a separate small bowl, mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
4. Mix dry ingredients into butter mixture: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter and sugar until fully combined to form the crust dough.
5. Press crust into pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and spread evenly, pressing down firmly especially around the edges to form the crust base.
6. Bake the crust: Place the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 15 minutes until set and slightly golden.
7. Prepare the apple filling: While the crust is baking, mix the sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl until the apples are evenly coated.
8. Make the streusel topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in 1/2 cup cold cubed butter using your hands or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Assemble the bars: Once the crust is slightly cooled, spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples and press down lightly to adhere.
10. Bake the assembled bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
11. Cool and serve: Allow the apple pie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares to serve.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor and texture.
• Ensure the butter for the streusel topping is cold to get crumbly texture.
• For easier cutting, chill the bars after cooling completely.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Optionally, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple pie bars, apple dessert, streusel topping, easy apple recipe, baked apple bars, fall dessert